1
as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
there'll be a holdback on production until the new machinery is fully installed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the only holdback to starting the new job is my contractual commitment to my current position
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to hamper
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
held back her tears until she was alone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of holdback
Big Think, 31 Mar. 2025
However, the main holdback of the team making this kind of pick is one of their other needs directly relates to how good of a pick Boise State product could be.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
So, when Brown was asked about being left out of accolades like the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams after a career year, the 2020 first-round pick didn’t hold back.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
And there is no more holdback suspense doubt.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2025
However, the main holdback of the team making this kind of pick is one of their other needs directly relates to how good of a pick Boise State product could be.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
Host Nikki Glaser doesn’t hold back The comedian returned to host the annual award show that highlights both film and television.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
So, when Brown was asked about being left out of accolades like the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams after a career year, the 2020 first-round pick didn’t hold back.
—Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
From plane seatback organizers to carry-on cup holders, these accessories can save you from boarding delays and other headaches—starting at $9.—
Jillian Dara,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Hi Lab positions HyDee as a response to those challenges by eliminating charging delays associated with battery systems.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Throughout both films, Stern's Marv is subjected to some of the worst obstacles set up to protect Keven, including stepping on a nail barefoot, taking a hot iron to the face and bricks to the head, and surviving an electrocution.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Alignment is the key to overcoming obstacles.—
Karen Hinds,
Hartford Courant,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Archival added that rescue efforts had been hampered by the fact that any sparks created by digging machinery could ignite methane gas emitted by the landfill, per the outlet.—
Becca Longmire,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But for as stifled as Portola’s shooting was in the fourth, Woodbridge also struggled – connecting on only three field goals.—
Martin Henderson,
Oc Register,
14 Jan. 2026
-
The Texans stifled the Steelers rushing attack and harassed Aaron Rodgers so extensively — sacking him four times, hitting him 12 times — that the future Hall of Fame quarterback scarcely had time to wait for plays to develop and repeatedly dumped the ball off for short gains.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Prosecutors have also filed two sentencing enhancements against Buzzard, alleging use of a gun during a felony and murder while lying in wait, the Independent reported.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Despite a tricky entrance and a long wait on one of the busiest days of the year, the meal was worth it.—
Angela Lian,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But that process was slowed by procedural hurdles.—
Megan O’Matz,
ProPublica,
13 Jan. 2026
-
While still a hurdle for million of Americans, financing costs have eased slightly in recent months.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The game officials ruled that Gobert impeded Wembanyama's ability to safely land on the follow-through from his jump shot, giving him six flagrant foul points for the season.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
13 Jan. 2026
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The city also asks residents not to physically engage with ICE operations and not to throw objects or impede federal law enforcement.—
Esme Murphy,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The lawsuit alleges that for more than a decade, beginning at least as early as January 2015, Pepsi and Walmart used their dominant positions in the beverage and grocery markets to suppress price competition.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
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The largest anti-government demonstrations to rock Iran in recent years intensified Friday night, fueling fears of growing fatalities as authorities battle to suppress the protests.—
Arsalan Shahla,
Fortune,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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