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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
And there could have been some holdback.
—Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
Zack Meisel, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Reforming the electric system, however, is precisely where the executive branch should embrace the impulse to break through the bureaucratic hurdles holding back reform.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
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
And there could have been some holdback.
—Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
As Hedges waxed poetic about Cantillo’s outing, Cantillo tried to hold back a smile.
—Zack Meisel, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Reforming the electric system, however, is precisely where the executive branch should embrace the impulse to break through the bureaucratic hurdles holding back reform.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
Even in areas accustomed to heavier snowfalls, accumulations in this range can result in delays, collisions and road closures if not treated promptly.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Therefore, the resulting stock drops can be viewed as buying opportunities — so long as the delays don't turn into order cancellations.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This means that fuel cells can, theoretically, operate without the infrastructure problems of electric or hydrogen vehicles, but the real obstacle is achieving sheer power in a light, compact engine that is compliant with existing regulations.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Sep. 2025
-
This enables the robot to figure out its precise navigation and obstacle avoidance coordinates, with an accuracy down to 2 centimeters.—
Ni Tao,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
And the new administration may be further hampering those plans.—
Jeffrey Kluger,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This cycle of reactionary leadership not only stifles innovation but also erodes trust and morale within organizations.—
Glenn Llopis,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Vrabel, as previously mentioned, has stifled Tagovailoa in the past.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This agreement removes that barrier to equal access for passengers with disabilities and provides a mechanism to compensate those harmed by Uber's past wait time fee policy.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Still, Sigourney Weaver's killer heels are worth the wait.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
For a franchise placing its future on the development of young players, the timing of the injuries is a hurdle.—
Grant Afseth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
As a result, same-sex couples continue to face other challenges in other aspects of daily life, from visiting their partner at hospitals to raising children, hurdles that families in many other global financial capitals that look to attract top talent no longer face.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was issued a red card in the 38th minute for impeding Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha in the box.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The university has also cracked down on chalking on campus sidewalks, which critics say impedes the free speech rights of students.—
Chris Quintana,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Although Canon had mandated that the Cat's programmability be suppressed, the IAI team nevertheless maintained the ability to compute expressions, which Canon permitted as an extension of the editor metaphor.—
Cameron Kaiser,
ArsTechnica,
12 Sep. 2025
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However, the country's typically strict online censors did not appear to be limiting discussion in the comments—a tactic often used to suppress sensitive or politically awkward narratives.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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