as in to postpone
to assign to a later time
we held off on accepting the invitation in the hopes that something better would come along
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold off (on)
Verb
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Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026 -
Some of his concerts were canceled or postponed due to health reasons, and some fans criticized the singer for putting on lackluster performances.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed due to the cuts, you’re legally entitled to a cash refund, not just some future credit.—
The Kim Komando Show,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
According to the flight status report on the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport/Adams Field website Friday, the airport had delayed arrivals from Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago and Houston, and canceled flights from Charlotte and Salt Lake City.—
JOSH FUNK,
Arkansas Online,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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However, a ruling could still be deferred until later in 2026, which many Beltway insiders believe could be more realistic.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Eighty years later, the country learned what happens when maintenance is deferred.—
Philip Martin,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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When the rudder is put over, the stern swings out first, so that if the vessel is in restricted waters, trying to avoid something ahead can result in hitting something behind.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 Jan. 2026
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The nonprofit that has been helping them is trying to find a roof to put over their heads.—
Michele Gile,
CBS News,
17 Dec. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hold off (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20off%20%28on%29. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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