hold off

Definition of hold offnext

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 hold off Regulators voted to hold off plans until 2030 after two major oil refineries threatened to close up shop in the state. Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026 If the atmosphere recovers from the morning rain, a few stronger storms could pop up; if not, the main severe round may hold off until later in the evening, the weather service said. Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026 Bank of America analysts predicted last week the Fed will hold off on lowering rates until the second half of 2027, pointing to an uptick in inflation and strong jobs numbers. Joe Walsh, CBS News, 13 May 2026 Four years later, the Timberwolves are right on the brink again, and Finch may have to think of making another dramatic change to hold off Victor Wembanyama and the relentless San Antonio Spurs. Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hold off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold off
Verb
  • The more such institutions can resist integrating AI tools into every aspect of their operations, and instead incentivize human intellectual engagement even at the expense of efficiency, the better as far as patience is concerned.
    Christian B. Miller, The Conversation, 4 June 2026
  • Specifically designed to be built quickly and efficiently, all walls are interconnected, and each structural element resists both wind and gravity loads.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Senior twins Riley and Reagan Cullivan put off a family vacation to Italy for one day to play in the title game.
    Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • Dropping Buds And Flowers An underwatered plant may put off flowering and fruiting while focusing on staying healthy.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • For two nights, Mister A’s is turning back the clock to the mid-1960s for a special prix-fixe meal.
    Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026
  • Pagano teased re-entering the ring, only to turn back around and walk off.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • In the end, the commissioners voted to table the decision, citing liability concerns.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • Six hours into that meeting, board members by a 5-2 vote decided to table discussing Lawrie’s departure until May 1.
    Sofi Zeman May 6, Kansas City Star, 6 May 2026
Verb
  • Still, one reason the Twins are playing better than expected is their ability to withstand myriad injuries and underperformance in the starting rotation.
    Dan Hayes, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • Holzinger has spent the past decade building a reputation as one of Europe’s most uncompromising performance artists—filling opera houses and theaters with motorbikes, helicopters, heavy machinery, nudity, and feats of endurance that test what a body can withstand.
    Lilyanna D'Amato, ARTnews.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • The union which represents more than 2,000 workers at SoFi Stadium has broken off negotiations with the stadium operators and plans to hold a strike vote next week ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
    Adam Crafton, New York Times, 29 May 2026
  • The former couple and Gigli costars met in 2002 while filming the movie and got engaged in November of that same year, but broke off their engagement in January 2004.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • Texas is split down the middle on which issue should take priority — stopping voter fraud or preventing eligible citizens from being turned away at the ballot box — as a poll shows the split is not a sign of moderation but of deep partisan polarization.
    Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 2 June 2026
  • Sánchez was in right field during a mound visit, appeared to be talking to fans beyond the wall, turned away and then got struck in the right wrist area by what appeared to be a baseball.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • The meeting was ultimately deferred at the Fontainebleau’s request after one of the board members didn’t show up.
    Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 2 June 2026
  • At the end of March, the Browns and Garrett agreed to a contract modification that deferred a total of $29 million in bonus payments over the next three years.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hold off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20off. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

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