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
Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
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
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 July 2025
The defense team said their client has been held back in school and has been evaluated for learning disabilities.
—Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
And there could have been some holdback.
—Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
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
Verb
Levy looks carefully at Eastwood’s personal relationships, both in his work and in his private life, and doesn’t hold back from detailing his ruthlessness in both domains, in particular his countless affairs.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 23 July 2025
The defense team said their client has been held back in school and has been evaluated for learning disabilities.
—Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 22 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
How tariff news fuels some scams The Better Business Bureau warned earlier this summer that some scammers are using fake excuses involving delays caused by tariffs to cover up fraudulent online orders.—
Susan Tompor,
Freep.com,
24 July 2025
-
And those assessments could cause delays that Trump may wish to avoid in pushing for widespread AI adoption across government.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
The branches of the military, which maintain their own communication networks, have their own obstacles.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
-
This grass chopper is easy to set up, runs quietly, boasts a solid battery life and automatic charging, and easily maps your mowing area (even with obstacles).—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
One of the central concerns is whether Trump administration cuts to the National Weather Service — the backbone of the country’s weather warning system — will hamper local governments and residents from staving off disaster when severe weather strikes.—
William Tong,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT
Updated July 14,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Leave behind New York’s stifling policies and discover a state where your ambition can soar.—
Mike Dunleavy,
New York Daily News,
14 July 2025
-
While luck will favor some and stifle others, here are a few tips on how join the first group: Be Loyal: Elite status with an airline can work wonders.—
Paula Conway,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Across the United States, the average wait time is 48 days between when a patient initially contacts a provider for mental healthcare and their first appointment.—
Amanda Marlar,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
That's a stark contrast from typical wait times for a new patient appointment at other types of clinics, which can average more than a month.—
Sarah Volpenhein,
jsonline.com,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Scaling its use requires overcoming hurdles related to the transportation of bulky materials, establishing local milling facilities and securing access to renewable energy.—
Sahit Muja,
Forbes.com,
24 July 2025
-
Operating the scanner on the dharanis presented a hurdle, however.—
Andrew Paul Jul 24,
Popular Science,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
Though no charges have been filed, the probe was backed by DOJ leadership and stemmed from a memo by former Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, now a Trump judicial nominee, urging prosecution of state actors who impede immigration enforcement.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 July 2025
-
Agents were executing a search warrant at the farm and arrested several individuals on suspicion of impeding the operation, according to Essayli.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Sandra Lynn Hemme filed the suit Thursday, which accuses investigators of fabricating evidence, coercing a false confession and suppressing evidence that could have proven her innocence.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
25 July 2025
-
Past research, Jansen notes, has found that cannabis can suppress the immune system through its active compounds: CBD, THC and other minor cannabinoids.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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