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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
So yes, please post about books and don’t hold back.
—Maris Kreizman
september 25, Literary Hub, 25 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
South Park has returned — and isn't holding back.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
So yes, please post about books and don’t hold back.
—Maris Kreizman
september 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
These companies benefit from the speed and cost savings of blockchain payments, without the constant fear of account closures or unjustified delays.—
Sonia Osorio,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The case remained in the public's eye because of a series of delays, the separation of Ascher's and Fraker's cases from Miller, and a change of attorneys and judges between 2023 and the 2025 trial.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Over the next 12 months, HMS will gain access to mentorship, commercial opportunities, business and legal advisory, digital tools, and physical resources such as co-working spaces and wet labs, support designed to help early-stage companies overcome common obstacles that startups face.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
29 Sep. 2025
-
The permit problem According to Saltzer, capture is lagging because, despite available storage and existing pipelines, permitting new CO2 infrastructure remains a major obstacle.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Education experts are raising awareness about an opportunity gap existing in schools and are worried that school equity may be hampered by the next state budget.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
25 Sep. 2025
-
The removal of Helena-West Helena's mayor in July has hampered efforts to repair the city's aging water infrastructure, according to local officials.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Leaders from Center for Arizona Policy and Arizona Free Enterprise Club said already the law had stifled their ability to collect donations and conduct advocacy work.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Hate speech laws would inevitably be used by politicians to silence their opponents and stifle criticism of their policies.—
The Detroit News Editorial Board,
Twin Cities,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Highlights Ultimate Puzzle Challenge Screen-free entertainment saves the day during long waits, flight delays, or times when devices need charging.—
Gabriela Garcia,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Turner said the responses for Idaho 55 accidents take up the bulk of local emergency resources, leading to waits for Boise County residents.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The additional hurdle for H-1B visas—a category for high-skilled workers that many tech companies rely upon—could undermine America’s ability to attract top tech talent, Bansal explained.—
Kristin Stoller,
Fortune,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Of course, there’s still a final hurdle for Cootes to leap over in the final week of the preseason.—
Thomas Drance,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Prosecutors say Comey lied about authorizing an FBI source to speak to the media about the investigation and obstructed Congress by making false statements intended to impede lawmakers’ probe into the FBI’s actions, according to a copy of the indictment obtained by The Washington Post.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Another lottery pick, Leo Carlsson, twice impeded Utah’s progress up the ice.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Advertisement Amazon still faces another lawsuit brought by the FTC in 2023, which alleged that the company is an exploitative monopoly and illegally suppressed competition among online marketplaces.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The threats are so vague, and government power so extensive, that this will undoubtedly drive widespread self-censorship and suppress free expression across many communities out of fear.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Twin Cities,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share