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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
held back her tears until she was alone
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holdback
Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
Amount of any indemnity escrow or holdback for indemnification claims by the buyer and the period of the escrow/holdback (an attractive scenario for a seller is for an escrow of no more than 5-10% of the purchase price with an escrow or holdback period of no more than 9 to 12 months).
—Allbusiness, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 May 2025
Zach Lowe did not hold back his words when talking about Doncic on defense.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
Japan has very specific holdback structures for their content that are just different from America’s.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
Amount of any indemnity escrow or holdback for indemnification claims by the buyer and the period of the escrow/holdback (an attractive scenario for a seller is for an escrow of no more than 5-10% of the purchase price with an escrow or holdback period of no more than 9 to 12 months).
—Allbusiness, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
The total purchase price is $185 million in cash, which includes $75 million held back that is tied to meeting performance goals and milestones over the next two years, according to Roku.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 1 May 2025
Zach Lowe did not hold back his words when talking about Doncic on defense.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
The game resumed after the delay, and the Pirates beat the Cubs 4-3.—
Jon Paul Hoornstra,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
-
But every year the U.S. delays, the window narrows.—
Javier Hasse,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
The Arches is designed for all-around off-roading, while the Cliffhanger is geared toward slow, technical obstacles.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
However, the obstacle avoidance technology included in the X10 Pro Omni has a 3D MatrixEye.—
Terri Williams,
Architectural Digest,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The dissatisfaction simmered for years, hampering efforts to combine the automakers fully.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
What is the Google hearing about? U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled in August that Google has illegally exploited its dominance to squash competition and stifle innovation.—
Patrick Maguire,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2025
-
In 2020, the Justice Department, joined by a group of states, accused Google of illegally stifling competition by paying the makers of web browsers and phones to set Google as their default search engine.—
John Ruwitch,
NPR,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Results are shared through an online portal, removing long wait times or the need to return to the hospital.—
Jennifer Lotito,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Weekend two of Coachella is here — along with wait times.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The Vessel Project is built on the principles of mutual aid, ensuring that no one is left behind and that support reaches those in need without the bureaucratic hurdles that often hinder access.—
Jameelah Nasheed,
Essence,
1 May 2025
-
The Olympian and World Championship silver medalist is a superstar heptathlete who’s headed for the women’s long hurdles.—
Cory Mull,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
The department in January ordered prosecutors to investigate for potential criminal charges any state or local officials who obstruct or impede federal functions.—
Alanna Durkin Richer,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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In a January memo, the department instructed prosecutors to consider criminal charges against state and local authorities who obstruct or impede federal operations.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
But its assertions are characteristic of the Trump administration’s systemic denial of trans lives, and signal further movement by HHS toward policies that seek to suppress trans identities among young people.—
Samantha Riedel,
Them.,
1 May 2025
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The Empire started mining the planet for energy and suppressing the Ghormans, so the upstart rebels attack a transport ship full of supplies.—
Jordan Moreau,
Variety,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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