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
Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026
He would then be allowed to use the materials after a holdback period—either 12 months following the release of the documentary or two years from the agreement’s signing, whichever comes first.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Geoff Mulvihill, Twin Cities, 10 Jan. 2026
Christopher Patterson's mother held back tears as his family and friends gathered on Friday outside the home where the 23-year-old lost his life two days before.
—Jermont Terry, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
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.
Noun
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
He would then be allowed to use the materials after a holdback period—either 12 months following the release of the documentary or two years from the agreement’s signing, whichever comes first.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
In court filings and a hearing earlier Friday, the states contended that the government did not have a legal reason for holding back the money from those states.
—Geoff Mulvihill, Twin Cities, 10 Jan. 2026
Christopher Patterson's mother held back tears as his family and friends gathered on Friday outside the home where the 23-year-old lost his life two days before.
—Jermont Terry, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holdback. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share