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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Netanyahu faces corruption charges, although several hearings have been postponed during the conflict with Hamas.—
Darlene Superville,
Twin Cities,
13 Oct. 2025 -
The European Broadcasting Union has postponed a vote on Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, citing recent developments in the Middle East.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In recent years, some Wyandotte residents have tried to get the government to delay or cancel its tax sales, which usually happen twice a year, to prevent people who have struggled to pay sky-rocketing property tax bills from losing their family homes.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
18 Oct. 2025
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The continued closure of the Rafah crossing is preventing delivery of equipment needed to find dead hostages and will therefore delay recovery efforts, Hamas said, according to Reuters.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Core questions—borders, sovereignty, refugees—are deferred.—
Mohammed R. Mhawish,
New Yorker,
14 Oct. 2025
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According to trade experts, payments on these new tariffs can be deferred until December 10 but the fees will begin applying on October 14.—
Lori Ann LaRocco,
CNBC,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Packaging Corporation of America is closing a Charlotte-area manufacturing plant, putting over 100 out of work by the end of the year.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Oct. 2025
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The federal government shut down Wednesday after funding laws expired, putting over 750,000 federal employees on furlough and leaving others working without pay.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
3 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2025.
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