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
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Recent Examples of holdback
Big Think, 31 Mar. 2025
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
Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Perhaps the most controversial policy is holding back third graders who cannot read proficiently.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
And there is no more holdback suspense doubt.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2025
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
Verb
Smartphone and tablet makers face rising contract prices for DRAM and NAND, which are pushing some to trim default storage tiers or hold back on RAM bumps in lower‑end models.
—Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Perhaps the most controversial policy is holding back third graders who cannot read proficiently.
—Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
With so many rule changes taking effect at once, a little preparation can go a long way toward avoiding delays and maximizing your refund.—
Emma Waldman,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
The disruptions led to thousands of flight delays and cancellations, while hospitals, banks and other businesses around the world were also affected.—
Megan Cerullo,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In addition to the giant uncertainty of hemp’s future, there are some serious obstacles for the cannabis industry to get over.—
Will Yakowicz,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Leaders such as midfielder Andi Sullivan and goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who consistently fielded questions about the off-field obstacles, are still key parts of the team’s leadership in 2026.—
Emily Olsen,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Typically, Apple has stuck to a two-year cycle for external design changes, so this makes sense, but if, as is reported, the lack of a second camera lens hampered sales, Apple may yet rethink that decision.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
-
More than two dozen active fires blazed through 21,000 acres as temperatures above 100 degrees and strong winds hampered firefighting efforts.—
Javier Torres,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
And Rudy Gobert remains one of the league's most stifling rim protectors.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
In New York, a broader proposal to ban masks on the subway drew criticism about stifling protests.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Many big-name executives stay in luxury chalets, marketed as high-end corporate retreats with wellness centers, private gyms, Jacuzzis, full wait staff, and private chefs.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Everything right now with tariffs strikes me as wait-and-see.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Data security presents another hurdle.—
Sahar Hashmi,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Around the same time as the actions aimed at the five states, the administration put up hurdles to Minnesota for even more federal dollars.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Justice Department has separately opened an investigation into whether Minnesota officials impeded or obstructed federal immigration enforcement though their public statements.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Supply chain disruptions continue to be a persistent risk that could impede production increases and impact margins.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Human rights activists say the blackout was also a strategic move to conceal the realities on the ground and suppress public reaction.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
21 Jan. 2026
-
As loyalty and conformity often disguised as anticommunism suppressed the fervency for civil rights that punctuated the war years, Du Bois’s conflict increased in intensity for a Black America expecting an improved quality of life in peacetime.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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