as in to postpone
to assign to a later time
we held off on accepting the invitation in the hopes that something better would come along
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold off (on)
Verb
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However, the launch was postponed a day earlier with no new date set.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
The Providence Journal,
28 Mar. 2026 -
The conflict has caused financial strain, forcing families to cut back on spending and postpone major plans.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Two weeks ago, flights in the DC metro region were delayed due to a strong chemical odor at the Potomac TRACON.—
CBS Baltimore Staff,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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The incident triggered ground stops, with flights delayed or held for extended periods.—
De'Anthony Taylor,
Baltimore Sun,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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His deal would have funded TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard immediately, while deferring the fight over ICE to a later vote.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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Forget that Tucker is the highest annual earner in major-league history, that Ohtani agreed to defer $680 million of his salary and that the Dodgers are paying nearly $30 million to their eighth- and ninth-inning pitchers this season.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This is a great sign, seeing as Reflect Orbital's ultimate hope is to put over 50,000 satellites in Earth orbit by the year 2035.—
Monisha Ravisetti,
Space.com,
5 Mar. 2026
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When the rudder is put over, the stern swings out first, so that if the vessel is in restricted waters, trying to avoid something ahead can result in hitting something behind.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Hold off (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20off%20%28on%29. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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