HOLD OFF Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

hold off

verb

Definition of hold off

as in to resist

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Dissimilar Words

as in to put off

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of hold off Areas farther south saw less rain, so officials will hold off on expanding the watch for now, though that could change as the forecast is updated. — Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026 Iran’s long-range, highly accurate Shahed-136 attack drones — flying fiberglass triangles that cost about $35,000 each — have helped Tehran hold off the world’s most powerful military. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 28 Sep. 2026 After rallying briefly, the Rams could not hold off the Broncos in a 30-26 defeat in front of 76,633 at Empower Field at Mile High. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026 The minister’s statements seemed to hold off popular anger, for now. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hold off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold off

Verb

And strength to resist reducing complex human challenges to slogans, enemies, or simple answers.

— Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
The new generation of therapeutic peptides is chemically modified to resist breakdown in the gastrointestinal tract, where traditional peptide drugs degrade before they can be absorbed.

— Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

And when his biceps injury flared again, and the discomfort extended up through his neck, the Dodgers put off an IL move as long as possible.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
The family’s story is mostly told from the perspective of Barb, the youngest sibling, who pushes for answers but puts off obtaining her own genetic test results.

— The Week US, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of put off

Verb

Among those rescued was Chinese tourist Weiwei Zhao, who had been trekking with a friend but turned back because of heavy snowfall.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Forty percent of the broad market index is made up of tech stocks, which have surged recently as investors — wary of higher interest rates — turn back to those companies most able to weather any sudden downturn.

— Sarah Min, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn back

Verb

For the first time in NBA history, the league cancels regular season games after labor talks break off.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Mack scored on a 2-yard run in the first half and broke off a 67-yard TD run late in the third quarter that put Arizona State up 24-6.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of break off

Verb

Many of the nation’s most elite institutions have recently turned away from test-blind or test-optional admission policies.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
The property can house up to 250 animals, some of which may require specialized care or may have illnesses or specific diseases that would, in most cases, cause them to be euthanized or turned away.

— Rashad Williams, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn away

Verb

Trump issued an executive order last week allowing truckers to use tax-exempt offroad diesel on the highway, but the tax obligation is deferred not eliminated.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
The court has deferred a decision on the lease and sublease rejections until a hearing Wednesday.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 Oct. 2026