holdback

1 of 2

noun

hold·​back ˈhōl(d)-ˌbak 

1

: something that retains or restrains

2

a

: the act of holding back

b

: something held back

hold back

2 of 2

verb

held back; holding back; holds back

transitive verb

1

a

: to hinder the progress or achievement of : restrain

b

: to keep from advancing to the next stage, grade, or level

2

: to refrain from revealing or parting with

held back important information

intransitive verb

1

: to keep oneself in check

2

: to refrain from revealing or parting with something

Synonyms of holdback

Noun

• delay
• wait

Verb

• hamper
• impede
• hinder
• embarrass
• obstruct
• interfere (with)
• tie up

Examples of holdback in a Sentence

Noun

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

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

Verb

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

held back her tears until she was alone

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

That’s 3% from holdbacks Little ordered in August amid a revenue shortfall, plus a 1% cut that the Legislature’s powerful budget committee voted to include. —Idaho Statesman, 7 Mar. 2026

If the house is not sold after 180 days, the company retains what remains of the 30% holdback. —Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026

Verb

Such a hearing is useful only because the players, Walz and Ellison, were grilled by people not obsequiously invested in them and who don’t hold back their accusations of malfeasance. —Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 7 Mar. 2026

These pristine gems of wild Florida are typically covered up and drowned out under 8 feet of brown, stagnant water held back by the Kirkpatrick Dam, which creates the Rodman Reservoir in Putnam County. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1535, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for holdback

• aback
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

Kids Definition

hold back

verb

1

: to make difficult the progress or achievement of

2

: to keep from revealing or giving

held back important information