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
• delay
• hold up
• block
• inhibit
• stymie
• cramp
• cramp one's style
• clog
• disrupt
• restrain
• shackle
• encumber
• give a hard time
• hobble
• handcuff
• fetter
• trammel
• constrain
• tie
• short-circuit
• thwart
• check
• hog-tie
• curb
• brake
• bind
• frustrate
• bog (down)
• manacle
• rein
• retain
• balk
• stifle
• retard
• tether
• arrest
• chain
• leash
• hem (in)
• choke
• hedge (in)
• barricade
• blockade
• sabotage
• foil
• 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

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

Chinese state media suggested the possibility of leveraging rare earths as retaliation, but Beijing still held back. — Gloria Xiong, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Soaring prices stemming from the conflict have forced African countries to keep interest rates elevated, holding back growth and adding to already high borrowing costs. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 17 Aug. 2026