HOLD OFF (ON) Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

hold off (on)

verb

Definition of 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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Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold off (on)

Verb

The Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire concert scheduled for Thursday night at San Francisco's Chase Center was postponed because of a medical emergency involving a member of Earth, Wind & Fire.

— Richard Ramos, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
The event was originally scheduled 11 months ago but was postponed to three months ago.

— Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of postpone

Verb

Conditions that are too cold might delay proofing or rising, resulting in a super-dense loaf.

— Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Aug. 2026
Cellphone use before bed delays the natural drop in cortisol that teenagers need to fall asleep, according to Alice Hoagland, PhD, director of the Insomnia Clinic at the Rochester Regional Sleep Disorder Center.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

Instead of deferring taxes now and paying later, taxes are paid upfront so future qualified withdrawals can potentially come out tax-free.

— Joel Barjenbruch, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
But holding back defers crucial conversations about goals, methods, and the limits of American aid.

— Dafna H. Rand, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of defer

Verb

After losing nearly a stroke and a half to the field on the greens in Round 1, Åberg has gained nearly three strokes putting over the last two days.

— Justin Ray, New York Times, 19 July 2026
The company’s Super+ membership is approaching one million members and has helped customers put over $1 billion back in their pockets.

— Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 7 July 2026

Definition of put over

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hold off

hold off (on)

hold on

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“Hold off (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20off%20%28on%29. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of hold off (on)

verb

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