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
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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
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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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of holdback
Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023
There is a six-month holdback for the launch of the English-language versions in France.
—Martin Dale, Variety, 11 Jan. 2023
Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024
The intent to hold back the tide may cost Democrats big time in the midterm elections.
—Chicago Tribune, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holdback 
Noun
The manufacturer pays the holdback price to the dealership once the dealer sells the vehicle.
—Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023
There is a six-month holdback for the launch of the English-language versions in France.
—Martin Dale, Variety, 11 Jan. 2023
Verb
There are contrasting examples in recent memory between, say, the way Phil Foden was held back or the way Jude Bellingham was advanced and pushed on.
—Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024
The intent to hold back the tide may cost Democrats big time in the midterm elections.
—Chicago Tribune, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
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For example, Day said many neurodivergent travelers may struggle with imprecise information, making interruptions like flight delays especially stressful.Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 1 Dec. 2024
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Democrats slammed DeSantis for the delay, with Keen suggesting that DeSantis was trying to avoid any embarrassment before the Jan. 15 Iowa presidential primaries.Steven Lemongello, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Things to do at Arizona Snowbowl Besides downhill skiing, Arizona Snowbowl also has: A terrain park with a variety of obstacles.The Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 6 Dec. 2024
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People with disabilities face a range of obstacles navigating the workforce and workplace, and for those that make up the neurodiverse population, having conditions that can often 'hide in plain sight' presents unique challenges that can have a devastating impact on their health.New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The search, which started the same day, was hampered by poor weather, officials reported.Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
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Meanwhile, research detailed in the MIT Sloan Management Review reveals that RTO mandates can cause a short-term lag in productivity and hamper hopes for a financial win.Jim DeLoach, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The suit alleges that Visa used its dominance to stifle the growth of existing competitors and prevent other firms from developing alternatives.Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 4 Dec. 2024
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Soon after Park’s death, Chun Doo-hwan, an army major general, seized power in a coup and declared martial law, arresting opponents, closing universities, banning political activities and stifling the press.Nectar Gan, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024
Noun
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At least my experience was no login queues, no wait times for matches, no lag, no disconnections.Paul Tassi, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
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The wait is officially over: Pantone’s 2025 Color of the Year is Mocha Mousse, a chocolatey, decadent-yet-cozy brown.Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2024
Noun
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But still, there will be technical hurdles in this convergence of the physical and digital worlds.Swati Kirti, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
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Orlando City has had the home-field advantage all through the playoffs — thanks to the top three seeds losing earlier — and after last weekend’s victory vs. Atlanta United there’s one more hurdle.Kyle Foley, Orlando Sentinel, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Sauer had argued that the continuation of the case, which is currently on appeal, will impede the Republican from carrying out his presidential duties.Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024
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These hydroelectric dams also impeded fish migration for nearly a century.Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
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The goal is not to try to intentionally suppress or react to negative thoughts and feelings.Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 2 Dec. 2024
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Syria’s civil war began during the 2011 Arab Spring as the regime suppressed a pro-democracy uprising against Assad.Eyad Kourdi, CNN, 30 Nov. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near holdback
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.
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