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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Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026 -
Some of his concerts were canceled or postponed due to health reasons, and some fans criticized the singer for putting on lackluster performances.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed due to the cuts, you’re legally entitled to a cash refund, not just some future credit.—
The Kim Komando Show,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
-
According to the flight status report on the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport/Adams Field website Friday, the airport had delayed arrivals from Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago and Houston, and canceled flights from Charlotte and Salt Lake City.—
JOSH FUNK,
Arkansas Online,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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However, a ruling could still be deferred until later in 2026, which many Beltway insiders believe could be more realistic.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Jan. 2026
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Eighty years later, the country learned what happens when maintenance is deferred.—
Philip Martin,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Packaging Corporation of America is closing a Charlotte-area manufacturing plant, putting over 100 out of work by the end of the year.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Oct. 2025
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The federal government shut down Wednesday after funding laws expired, putting over 750,000 federal employees on furlough and leaving others working without pay.—
Sarah Cutler,
Idaho Statesman,
3 Oct. 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 9 Jan. 2026.
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