1
as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
there'll be a holdback on production until the new machinery is fully installed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the only holdback to starting the new job is my contractual commitment to my current position
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to hamper
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
held back her tears until she was alone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of holdback
Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The all-cash deal includes $75 million in holdbacks tied to certain performance targets and milestones over the next two years.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 1 May 2025
Morgan Evans, Vanity Fair, 13 Mar. 2026
Bocelli joins a list of others in the opera and ballet space, including Misty Copeland, who have not held back in criticizing Chalamet for his commentary.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
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
The all-cash deal includes $75 million in holdbacks tied to certain performance targets and milestones over the next two years.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 1 May 2025
Verb
Zinzi then passed the mic to Mosaku, who held back tears during her speech.
—Morgan Evans, Vanity Fair, 13 Mar. 2026
Bocelli joins a list of others in the opera and ballet space, including Misty Copeland, who have not held back in criticizing Chalamet for his commentary.
—Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
The delay is limiting discussion on an important topic, said Stephanie Richard, a clinical professor who leads the Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Initiative at Loyola Law School, which released its own comprehensive report on human trafficking and the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics in December.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
So, everyday purchases such as clothing, phone cases, small appliances, and shoes remain subject to tariffs and customs delays.—
Jay Caruso,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
At full height, the ship has an air draft of about 328 feet, but the tilting system enables the masts to lower when necessary, allowing the vessel to pass beneath bridges or other obstacles along its route, The Maritime Executive writes.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2026
-
The war is constraining oil exports and prompting major producers like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iraq to scale back output as shipments face growing obstacles.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Interference from Starlink and other satellites has already become frustratingly routine for astronomers, hampering science as celestial objects are obscured, and the problem is only going to get worse.—
Jonathan O'Callaghan,
Scientific American,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The future Hall of Famer had been successfully stifled in the second half of Monday’s game, with the Lakers double-teaming him into five turnovers and just two points.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Above all, will Bradley keep the Wildcats focused and confident if the flow of the game shifts against them and the pressure turns stifling?—
Jon Wilner,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Flyers can check estimated current wait times by downloading the MyTSA app.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Borrowers blocked from relief amid high default rates The wait to access relief programs comes at an especially difficult time for student loan borrowers, experts say.—
Annie Nova,
CNBC,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Revenue sharing will be the biggest hurdle to get over.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Obtaining a passport in time for a looming voter registration deadline is another potential hurdle.—
Julie Carr Smyth,
Fortune,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Oil prices have spiked above $100 per barrel amid Iranian threats to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and declarations of force majeure by both Kuwait and Bahrain, who argue events beyond their control have impeded their ability to deliver petroleum.—
Michael M. Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
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The indictment includes the conspiracy count, which carries a maximum sentence of six years in federal prison, as well as several other counts of forcibly impeding a federal officer, each punishable by up to one year in federal prison.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Basij forces are a volunteer paramilitary militia, a branch of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, which Israel says was responsible for violently suppressing street protests against the Iranian government earlier this year.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
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These actions are part of a sweeping anti-public strategy to undermine knowledge, suppress dissent and shift our culture toward a dangerous paradigm.—
Megan Thiele Strong,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.
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