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

And maybe this is an opportunity to voice something, and that is that independent films from the United States are more and more often being subjected to strategies which used to be dedicated to bigger, more commercial films, in terms of holdbacks. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 21 June 2026

Joe and the buyer disagree — sharply — on what the holdbacks actually entitled him to. — Lewis Schiff, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026

Verb

Lenders financing these projects tend to hold back the money until the asset is covered for its full build cost, so the insurance question comes with a hard financial edge attached. — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Toure was knocked down briefly after his play and had to be held back by team personnel from joining in on the celebration after Fitzgerald’s interception. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 16 July 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
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• cutback

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