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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The New Year's Day Evergreen plunge had to be postponed and is now scheduled for March first.—
Alan Gionet,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026 -
Drugs used to postpone puberty, counseling and meeting with other kids experiencing the same feelings helped tame the turmoil.—
Paul Sisson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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More flights are likely to get delayed or canceled as the storm progresses.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
25 Jan. 2026
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The Supreme Court's upcoming ruling on tariffs could be delayed until their next session on February 20, unless a rare special session is called.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Just as financial advisors recommend deferring enough into a 401(k) plan to benefit from your employer's full matching contribution, there is no reason to pass this free money up.—
Jessica Dickler,Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
26 Jan. 2026
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Its frequent cost overruns, spending beyond budgets and failure to defer and mitigate spending when possible mean higher rates.—
David S. Lapp,
Baltimore Sun,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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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The nonprofit that has been helping them is trying to find a roof to put over their heads.—
Michele Gile,
CBS News,
17 Dec. 2025
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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 30 Jan. 2026.
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