1
as in to postpone
to assign to a later time
held up mail delivery until we had a permanent address
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to bring (something) to a standstill
traffic was held up for miles by the accident
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to hamper
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
if lack of transportation is the only thing holding you up, I can give you a ride
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to survive
to continue to operate or to meet one's needs
the air conditioner held up this year, but it's not going to make it through another summer
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to remain
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
the storm's hurricane-force winds did not hold up once it hit the coast
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to fly
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
an argument that won't hold up in court
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as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
a holdup in construction due to the weather
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of hold up
Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
When the moment came, everyone on stage held up their right hand and recited the citizenship oath.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 3 July 2025
Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
All leaders said significant work remains, and agreed that the budget bills for Health and Human Services, Transportation and Taxes are currently the biggest holdups.
—Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold up
Verb
The win gives them momentum for the moment and should hold off any further decline in Trump's approval rating, which is not high but has held up pretty well because of his Republican base.
—Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025
When the moment came, everyone on stage held up their right hand and recited the citizenship oath.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 3 July 2025
Noun
That had caused weeks long holdups as companies navigated the new regime, fueling fears among a wide range of American industries from automobile to defense.
—Nectar Gan, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
All leaders said significant work remains, and agreed that the budget bills for Health and Human Services, Transportation and Taxes are currently the biggest holdups.
—Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold up
Verb
-
The city of Cudahy has postponed its Independence Day Celebration that was set for Thursday, July 3.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
28 June 2025
-
The item needs to come back to the commission for final approval, at which point it would be sent to voters on the November ballot — now in a special election since the main election has been postponed.—
Tess Riski,
Miami Herald,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
The state will become the second following Utah to stop public utilities from fluoridating water.—
Kairi Lowery,
The Orlando Sentinel,
29 June 2025
-
Without any consequences, this autocratic politician will continue to push the limits of his authority beyond the breaking point until someone forces him to stop.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
29 June 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,
30 June 2025
-
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
The measure narrowly survived the Senate after a marathon session ended with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote Tuesday.—
Caitlin Yilek
July 1,
CBS News,
1 July 2025
-
To survive, pedal builders are doing something unusual in a competitive business: turning to one another for help.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
The extent of the claims are documented in a 255-page affidavit that remains under seal while one co-defendant, Ying Zhang, remains free.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 July 2025
-
As of July 7, at least 10 campers and one counselor remain missing.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
8 July 2025
Verb
-
Passengers flying in the United States at certain airports are no longer required to take off their shoes when going through security lines, according to news outlets including CBS News and The New York Times on Monday.—
Anna Commander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
-
Gunn’s approach is colorful, in both its palette and the costumes; proudly fantastical, with flying orbs, robots, portals, and giant monsters; and at times endearingly, intentionally corny (see: Krypto the super dog).—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
The Trump budget cuts now mean Europe may have to go it alone, possibly facing further delays.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
30 June 2025
-
Axiom Space Mission 4, a private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, launched on Wednesday after an extended delay due to a long-standing leak issue at the in-orbit research facility.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
29 June 2025
Verb
-
The highest annual salary in the NFL is Dak Prescott’s $60 million, and the richest MLB contract is Shohei Ohtani’s at $70 million per year, although 97% of that money is deferred, which lowers the present-day value of the deal.—
Lev Akabas,
Sportico.com,
1 July 2025
-
The Pistons acknowledged there was an investigation ongoing but deferred further comment to the NBA.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hold up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20up. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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