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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
And there could have been some holdback.
—Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
In fact, while the wider industry has often held back on green laser R&D—investing far less than in red laser products and showing limited innovation—MILESEEY has gone the opposite way.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
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
And there could have been some holdback.
—Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
The union did not hold back in its criticism.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2025
In fact, while the wider industry has often held back on green laser R&D—investing far less than in red laser products and showing limited innovation—MILESEEY has gone the opposite way.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
Colleyville Heritage defeated Richland 30-21 in a game halted early in the third quarter after a second lightning delay Friday at Mustang-Panther Stadium.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Fans booed the delay from the stands at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The difficulty in getting rid of players other than those whose contracts expired this summer (Luka Modric, Lucas Vazquez and Jesus Vallejo) was a significant obstacle.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
To overcome this obstacle, the MIT team employed lithium-6 atoms, a rare isotope whose resonance frequency shifts depending on temperature.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Currently, only 37% of the more than 5 million tons of trash generated in the county each year is recycled — and even that is hampered by a 40% contamination rate.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Watch The Incredibles films on Disney+ Luca Luca (Jacob Tremblay) and Alberto (Jack Dylan Grazer) are sea monsters who feel stifled in the water.—
Sydni Ellis,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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Experts say this shift could stifle innovation—but here’s how young workers can still get their foot in the door.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
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That’s when Kenel abandoned his cart, exited to the store and lay in wait for the couple in the parking lot, officials said.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
-
After filing, the tort claim process requires a 120-day wait period before any further legal action can happen.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Even if the discharge petition is successful, the underlying bill would have to clear many more hurdles.—
Emily Brooks,
The Hill,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Reports have also pointed to practical hurdles for Optimus, including production bottlenecks, hand dexterity issues, and leadership turnover on the program.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Bundys and several others in the vehicles were arrested and charged with multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede federal officers.—
Nicole Blanchard,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Let go of whatever impedes your growth.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Eight engines, four water tenders, five dozers and two hand crews have been working to suppress the fire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
This ensures lithium is deposited smoothly across the anode, effectively suppressing dendrite growth even under rapid-charging conditions.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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