maintain vs exert

maintain and exert both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
maintain	No	No	Yes	No
exert	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, maintain and exert are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of maintain include wield.

maintain (verb)	exert (verb)
stick to correctly or closely	put to use
state categorically	have and exercise
state or assert	make a great effort at a mental or physical task
support against an opponent
maintain by writing regular records
supply with necessities and support
keep in safety and protect from harm, decay, loss, or destruction
have and exercise
maintain for use and service
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity