hold off (on)

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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold off (on)
Verb
  • After a short discussion between the clubs and Major League Baseball, the game was postponed.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
  • The Division 1 softball game between Poway and Ayala was postponed because of rain.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, Boeing’s project has been hampered by stress corrosion cracks on the planes and excessive noise in the cabins from the decompression system, among other issues that have delayed delivery, according to a Government Accountability Office report released last year.
    Tara Copp, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2025
  • Last year, the NFL reported a 20,000% increase in unauthorized drone activity over games between 2017 and 2023, some of which delayed games.
    Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Some lawmakers want to defer capital gains taxes for mutual fund investors The average 401(k) savings rate hit a record high.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 7 June 2025
  • Ronaldo, 39, played for the Italian club between 2018 and 2021 with the back payment related to his agreement with Juventus to defer part of his wages during the Covid pandemic.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • Tessitore was beside himself and put over Evans for his great showcase.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
  • Gunther put over Pat McAfee as a non-wrestling performer with heart, and said Paul was the opposite.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
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.

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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 13 Jun. 2025.

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