HOLD OFF Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

hold off

verb

Definition of hold off

as in to resist

Related Words

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Dissimilar Words

as in to put off

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 The minister’s statements seemed to hold off popular anger, for now. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Sep. 2026 So try to hold off on making important decisions, like signing contracts or swiping your credit card on something expensive. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026 Common Sense Media notes that some families start tweens with basic phones or smartwatches for safety, while others hold off longer before introducing a smartphone. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026 Atlanta is trying to hold off the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL East title and could wrap up the division crown as soon as Sunday. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hold off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold off

Verb

But resist the urge to throw every brightening ingredient at the problem.

— Glamour, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2026
Attempts to coordinate the different agencies under a central authority to fight organized crime have failed in Congress, where professional associations representing those agencies have resisted anything that would reduce their power.

— MATIAS SPEKTOR, Foreign Affairs, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

The Stanford researchers estimated that sellers can roughly double revenue because of consumer inertia, when people forget or put off canceling, and cancellation friction, when ending a subscription takes too much time or effort.

— Barbara Booth, CNBC, 27 Sep. 2026
Giving feedback is warranted and needed, but the conversation keeps getting put off.

— Maren Perry, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of put off

Verb

Tight end Travis Kelce looks like he’s turned back the clock for Kansas City, which is running the ball well.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
An Israeli military official said its fighter jets had turned back before the plane landed at Tabuk.

— Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 30 Sep. 2026

Definition of turn back

Verb

Daniel offers to table all future Safeguard attempts, as long as Silo 18 does not attempt to contact another silo.

— Noel Murray, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
It’s designed with side handles for easy handling from stovetop (or oven) to table, has a moisture-locking lid to keep food tender, and is suitable on any cooktop surface and in the oven up to 500°F.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of table

Verb

Lawson has withstood a decades-long vivisection of her body and sexuality.

— Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Oct. 2026
Its airframe is built largely from titanium and titanium alloys to withstand the extreme temperatures generated during sustained high-speed flight.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of withstand

Verb

On second down, wide receiver Malik Washington broke off a 30-yard reception after safety Alohi Gilman missed a tackle.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
The door’s handle had been broken off but the door did not have damage consistent with a break-in, such as prying or force marks, said Det.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of break off

Verb

The report revealed that 85% of providers in the United States experienced moderate or severe staffing challenges in the past year and 55% have had to turn away people in need of care due to inadequate staffing.

— STAT, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026
The plane was told to wait for clearance from the Jordanian military and then turned away.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of turn away

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

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Synonyms of hold off

verb

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