hold off (on)

Definition of hold off (on)next
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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold off (on)
Verb
  • The others were either denied parole or their hearings were postponed.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
  • And because major motion pictures often require years to produce, a decision postponed today can become a missing film several years from now.
    Cory Jacobson, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Ferry services to islands were disrupted and trains arriving from Latvia and Lithuania delayed.
    ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Paramount had previously agreed to delay the acquisition to as late as June 2027 due to the legal challenge, and a trial is set for March.
    Ian Thomas, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • From there, an investor can elect to defer the gain by purchasing new QSBS with the sale proceeds within 60 days.
    Sharon Olson, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • For instance, medical and veterinary students can get a 36-month grace period and the option to fully defer payments during residency or fellowship.
    Rebecca Safier, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • After losing nearly a stroke and a half to the field on the greens in Round 1, Åberg has gained nearly three strokes putting over the last two days.
    Justin Ray, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • The company’s Super+ membership is approaching one million members and has helped customers put over $1 billion back in their pockets.
    Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 7 July 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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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 23 Aug. 2026.

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