no-holds-barred

adjective

ˌnō-ˌhōl(d)z-ˈbärd How to pronounce no-holds-barred (audio)
Synonyms of no-holds-barrednext
: free of restrictions or hampering conventions
a no-holds-barred contest

Examples of no-holds-barred in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But the seething energy shared between the various women in the film reaches operatic fever pitch, Close going no-holds-barred with Day and a combative Mo’Nique as a semi-sympathetic social worker. — Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of no-holds-barred was in 1920

Rhymes for no-holds-barred

See All Rhymes for no-holds-barred

Browse Nearby Words

no-hitter
no-holds-barred
no-hoper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-holds-barred. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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