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
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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
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
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
After watching Taylor Swift show off her engagement ring from Travis Kelce during a string of interviews for The Life of a Showgirl, its designer, Kindred Lubeck, couldn't hold back her excitement.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 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
At the same time, the doc doesn’t hold back from also celebrating the commercial success of Earth, Wind & Fire.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025
After watching Taylor Swift show off her engagement ring from Travis Kelce during a string of interviews for The Life of a Showgirl, its designer, Kindred Lubeck, couldn't hold back her excitement.
—Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
Package cannot clear due to customs delay or missing info.—
Kayla Steinberg,
NBC news,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Laurene Allen, an environmental advocate who lives in Merrimack, New Hampshire, where PFNA was one of several forever chemicals discovered in drinking water in 2016, was awaiting the report and is frustrated and enraged by its delay.—
Sharon Lerner,
ProPublica,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Autonomous systems handle the full flight profile, from takeoff to landing, using sensors for obstacle detection and avoidance.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Oct. 2025
-
If there weren’t obstacles, this would be a very short series.—
Max Gao,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Oct. 2025
-
With injuries and inconsistency hampering the wide receiver corps, the Commanders are set to host former Tennessee Titans first-round draft pick Treylon Burks.—
Josh Buckhalter,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Many of the games in the series have been blowouts, and Boise State jumped to a 10-0 lead Saturday night while stifling New Mexico’s offense, which had one first down in the first quarter.—
Jim Keyser,
Idaho Statesman,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Denver’s defense remained stifling even when it was put in unfavorable situations.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Five wins from five sees Stale Solbakken’s free-scoring side, fuelled by the goals of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, top their group with a flawless record, and the next month could see an end to Norway’s 26-year wait to feature in a major tournament.—
Philip Buckingham,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
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Preparing World of Flight Philadelphia ready to open took longer than expected because of the requirements for construction in a historic building, but Jordan Brand sees the wait as worth it in order to execute such an authentic space.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Rachael Powell, chief deputy district attorney in the Fourth Judicial District, said close relationships with law enforcement can help prosecutors overcome hurdles in stalking cases.—
Shelly Bradbury,
Denver Post,
13 Oct. 2025
-
The largest hurdle is Starship’s on-orbit refueling test.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Trump characterized the cities as in crisis and accused leaders of impeding immigration operations.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Alas, the roster should not impede them from pulling off this feat.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Their discoveries have opened new paths for therapies that either suppress or activate immune responses, depending on the disease.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Major evidence, including the alleged murder weapon, was suppressed as a result.—
Ryan Murphy,
IndyStar,
9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
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