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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
held back her tears until she was alone
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holdback
Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026
If the house is not sold after 180 days, the company retains what remains of the 30% holdback.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
ABC News, 10 June 2026
Investor concerns about paths to exit and recouping capital have long held back private capital inflows in Africa, but a growing market for secondaries is aiming to spur more investment.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
Add curtain holdbacks with playful animal details, or top your door hinges with decorative hinge caps for a knowing wink of whimsy.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026
If the house is not sold after 180 days, the company retains what remains of the 30% holdback.
—Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Verb
In addition to tickets given back to FIFA, the governing body holds back seats.
—ABC News, 10 June 2026
Investor concerns about paths to exit and recouping capital have long held back private capital inflows in Africa, but a growing market for secondaries is aiming to spur more investment.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
This story will be updated as more delays and closures are announced.—
Gillian Stawiszynski,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
12 Dec. 2025
-
The mutation can result in childhood-onset epilepsy, developmental delays and movement disorders, according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.—
Vicky Nguyen,
NBC news,
11 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The strong will, solidarity and professional integrity were stronger than all of the obstacles, siege and war.—
Mohammed Ibrahim Mohammed,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Dec. 2025
-
The Argo float changed that, but not without obstacles.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Popular notions of philanthropy as merely a game for the ultrawealthy to fund partisan projects and commit fraud have left the sector vulnerable to political attacks, as the Council on Foundations sees it, influencing policies that hamper essential community services.—
James Pollard,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
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Congolese health authorities have previously said contact tracing has been hampered by community resistance in some areas and by the rapid expansion of the outbreak into new health zones, increasing the workload for surveillance teams.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
The issues stifling any boost in consumer comfort with AVs are clear, according to the study.—
Ed Garsten,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Plenty people have stories of feeling stifled, misunderstood, unhelped by teachers.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
Noun
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To bolster his case, DeWine brandished charts and graphs detailing the diminishing number of death sentences meted out by courts and showing the exceedingly long wait times that elapse as legal appeals play out for those on death row.—
Julie Carr Smyth,
Los Angeles Times,
16 June 2026
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For anyone with a non-Pixel Android phone, the wait will be much longer.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
16 June 2026
Noun
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That promise, if validated, could dramatically cut the time and cost of adapting scientific codes for new hardware, a recurring hurdle as supercomputers evolve.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Dec. 2025
-
Google Glass, however, faced other hurdles.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
8 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Last week, without explanation, federal prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss all charges against Chicago Laugh Factory manager Nathan Griffin, who had been charged with forcibly assaulting, impeding, and interfering with a federal officer.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
10 Dec. 2025
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There will no doubt be some who will try to impede the investigation.—
Tim Dunn,
Boston Herald,
7 Dec. 2025
Verb
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But some digital rights advocacy groups also worry that such restrictions could suppress certain types of speech, including whistleblower reports, because internet users will worry their identities are tied to their accounts.—
Angela Yang,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
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But suppressing undesirable emotions is not only impossible but also not all that helpful.—
Dr. Deepika Chopra,
Flow Space,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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