Synonyms of holdback

holdback 1 of 2

noun

ˈhōl(d)-ˌbak 

1

as in delay

an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business

there'll be a holdback on production until the new machinery is fully installed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• delay
• wait
• holdup
• deferral
• detention
• postponement
• deferment
• holding pattern
• lag
• detainment
• respite
• hesitation
• pause
• setback
• slowdown
• reprieve
• foot-dragging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rush
• haste
• dispatch
• promptness
• promptitude

2

as in obstacle

something that makes movement or progress difficult

the only holdback to starting the new job is my contractual commitment to my current position

Synonyms & Similar Words

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• barrier
• embarrassment
• encumbrance
• inhibition
• interference
• deterrent
• burden
• chain
• impediment
• let
• constraint
• shackles
• block
• handicap
• hindrance
• hitch
• load
• stumbling block
• stop
• brake
• delay
• bar
• balk
• trammel
• restraint
• drag
• crimp
• cramp
• blockade
• curb
• fetter
• clog
• manacle
• stone wall
• rub
• blockage
• embargo
• disadvantage
• catch
• rein
• stoppage
• brick wall
• danger
• snag
• stall
• arrest
• holdup
• difficulty
• bit
• hazard
• hardship
• drawback
• reef
• check
• peril
• adversity
• hobble
• cumber

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentive
• stimulus
• advantage
• catalyst
• impetus
• edge
• spur
• assistance
• benefit
• break
• stimulant
• aid
• goad
• help
• boost
• handmaiden
• handmaid

hold back

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to hamper

to create difficulty for the work or activity of

the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hamper
• impede
• hinder
• embarrass
• obstruct
• interfere (with)
• tie up
• handicap
• delay
• hold up
• block
• inhibit
• stymie
• cramp
• cramp one's style
• clog
• disrupt
• restrain
• shackle
• encumber
• give a hard time
• hobble
• handcuff
• fetter
• trammel
• constrain
• tie
• short-circuit
• thwart
• check
• hog-tie
• curb
• brake
• bind
• frustrate
• bog (down)
• manacle
• rein
• retain
• balk
• stifle
• retard
• tether
• arrest
• chain
• leash
• hem (in)
• choke
• hedge (in)
• barricade
• blockade
• sabotage
• foil
• baffle
• strangle
• confine
• halter
• derail
• mire
• stump
• smother
• muzzle
• roadblock
• suffocate
• repress
• suppress

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• help
• assist
• facilitate
• aid
• make way
• open
• release
• clear
• free
• liberate
• unplug
• promote
• loosen
• encourage
• smooth
• unclog
• unstop
• further
• untie

2

as in to stifle

to refrain from openly showing or uttering

held back her tears until she was alone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stifle
• suppress
• choke (back)
• swallow
• contain
• repress
• control
• manage
• smother
• submerge
• strangle
• pocket
• sink
• check
• govern
• curb
• quash
• quell
• bottle up
• bridle
• squelch
• muffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• take out
• express
• release
• loose
• vent
• unleash

Examples of holdback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The manufacturer pays the holdback price to the dealership once the dealer sells the vehicle. —Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023

There is a six-month holdback for the launch of the English-language versions in France. —Martin Dale, Variety, 11 Jan. 2023

Verb

The network typically holds back commercial time in the event that audience levels fall short of what brands are promised. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2024

At the time, Hestia said GEC was holding back the company’s other areas of the business and sought to replace then-CEO Marc Lautenbach. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 9 Aug. 2024