hold·back
ˈhōl(d)-ˌbak 
1
: something that retains or restrains
2
a
: the act of holding back
b
: something held back
held back; holding back; holds back
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
1
: to keep oneself in check
2
: to refrain from revealing or parting with something
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
Big Think, 31 Mar. 2025
However, the main holdback of the team making this kind of pick is one of their other needs directly relates to how good of a pick Boise State product could be.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2025
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers did not hold back on his final meeting with new head coach Aaron Glenn in his first public remarks since a series of rumors leaked following the end of his second season with the team.
—Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
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Noun
And there is no more holdback suspense doubt.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2025
However, the main holdback of the team making this kind of pick is one of their other needs directly relates to how good of a pick Boise State product could be.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
Shaddai didn’t hold back from trash-talking his opponent.
—Mary Divine, Twin Cities, 18 Apr. 2025
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers did not hold back on his final meeting with new head coach Aaron Glenn in his first public remarks since a series of rumors leaked following the end of his second season with the team.
—Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holdback. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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