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

Lawmakers are expected to vote Friday on whether to approve and extend the holdbacks that led to the 4% rate cuts. —Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026

If the property is not sold within 180 days, then Cash to Win keeps the remaining 30% holdback. —Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026

Verb

But doubts surrounding Dana, Tod, Lynn, and Naveen aren’t serious (even Lynn’s ignominious introduction gets swept under the rug), and what little there is to find out is held back at the expense of the ensemble. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 Feb. 2026

Unlike other tech companies such as Microsoft whose AI spending has partly held back its stock, investors for now have rewarded Meta’s big AI bets as the company’s revenue increased 24% year over year thanks in part to strong advertising results fueled by AI. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 8 Feb. 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