Synonyms of holdback

holdback 1 of 2

noun

ˈhōl(d)-ˌbak 

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

• delay
• wait
• holdup
• deferral
• detention
• postponement
• deferment
• holding pattern
• lag
• detainment
• respite
• hesitation
• pause
• setback
• slowdown
• reprieve
• foot-dragging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rush
• haste
• dispatch
• promptness
• promptitude

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

• obstacle
• hurdle
• obstruction
• barrier
• embarrassment
• encumbrance
• inhibition
• interference
• deterrent
• burden
• chain
• impediment
• let
• constraint
• shackles
• block
• handicap
• hindrance
• hitch
• load
• stumbling block
• stop
• brake
• delay
• bar
• balk
• trammel
• restraint
• drag
• crimp
• cramp
• blockade
• curb
• fetter
• clog
• manacle
• stone wall
• rub
• blockage
• embargo
• disadvantage
• catch
• rein
• stoppage
• brick wall
• danger
• snag
• stall
• arrest
• holdup
• difficulty
• bit
• hazard
• hardship
• drawback
• reef
• check
• peril
• adversity
• hobble
• cumber

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentive
• stimulus
• advantage
• catalyst
• impetus
• edge
• spur
• assistance
• benefit
• break
• stimulant
• aid
• goad
• help
• boost
• handmaiden

hold back

2 of 2

verb

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

• hamper
• impede
• hinder
• embarrass
• obstruct
• interfere (with)
• tie up
• handicap
• hold up
• delay
• block
• inhibit
• stymie
• cramp
• cramp one's style
• clog
• shackle
• disrupt
• encumber
• restrain
• give a hard time
• hobble
• handcuff
• fetter
• trammel
• short-circuit
• constrain
• tie
• thwart
• check
• hog-tie
• curb
• brake
• bind
• bog (down)
• manacle
• frustrate
• rein
• retain
• balk
• retard
• stifle
• tether
• arrest
• chain
• leash
• hem (in)
• hedge (in)
• choke
• barricade
• blockade
• foil
• sabotage
• baffle
• strangle
• confine
• halter
• derail
• mire
• stump
• smother
• muzzle
• roadblock
• suffocate
• repress
• suppress

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• help
• assist
• facilitate
• aid
• make way
• open
• release
• clear
• free
• liberate
• unplug
• promote
• loosen
• encourage
• smooth
• unclog
• unstop
• further
• untie

2

as in to stifle

to refrain from openly showing or uttering

held back her tears until she was alone

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stifle
• suppress
• choke (back)
• swallow
• contain
• repress
• control
• manage
• smother
• submerge
• strangle
• pocket
• sink
• check
• govern
• curb
• quash
• quell
• bottle up
• bridle
• squelch
• muffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• take out
• express
• release
• loose
• vent
• unleash

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of holdback

Noun

Universities will continue to deal with the 3% holdbacks — plus another 2% drop — for next fiscal year, according to the statement of purpose for the appropriations bill that senators passed Thursday. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026

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

Verb

The tempos are faster and no one is holding back with anything to lose. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 5 Oct. 2026

He was held back by something else, a feeling that some awful truth about his familiar, beloved world was now being revealed to him. — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026