1
as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
there'll be a holdback on production until the new machinery is fully installed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the only holdback to starting the new job is my contractual commitment to my current position
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to hamper
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
held back her tears until she was alone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of holdback
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
And there could have been some holdback.
—Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
So yes, please post about books and don’t hold back.
—Maris Kreizman
september 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
However, the main holdback of the team making this kind of pick is one of their other needs directly relates to how good of a pick Boise State product could be.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
And there could have been some holdback.
—Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
South Park has returned — and isn't holding back.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 25 Sep. 2025
So yes, please post about books and don’t hold back.
—Maris Kreizman
september 25, Literary Hub, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
These companies benefit from the speed and cost savings of blockchain payments, without the constant fear of account closures or unjustified delays.—
Sonia Osorio,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The case remained in the public's eye because of a series of delays, the separation of Ascher's and Fraker's cases from Miller, and a change of attorneys and judges between 2023 and the 2025 trial.—
Jim Riccioli,
jsonline.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Accepting the award, Wilson was quick to credit her teammates and reflect on the obstacles the Aces faced this season.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
22 Sep. 2025
-
With thirty thousand French soldiers, Leclerc’s mission faced many obstacles.—
Marlene L. Daut
September 22,
Literary Hub,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Education experts are raising awareness about an opportunity gap existing in schools and are worried that school equity may be hampered by the next state budget.—
Leah Olajide,
Freep.com,
25 Sep. 2025
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The removal of Helena-West Helena's mayor in July has hampered efforts to repair the city's aging water infrastructure, according to local officials.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Cleveland possesses a very dangerous defense, and that was on full display, stifling the strong Packers offense through most of the game.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Sep. 2025
-
Attempts to ban the tourist attraction by mayors have been stifled for years, in part from opposition by a labor union representing carriage drivers and owners who deny allegations of animal mistreatment.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Highlights Ultimate Puzzle Challenge Screen-free entertainment saves the day during long waits, flight delays, or times when devices need charging.—
Gabriela Garcia,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Sep. 2025
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Turner said the responses for Idaho 55 accidents take up the bulk of local emergency resources, leading to waits for Boise County residents.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
26 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Beginning in November 2025, however, the program will expand to every parent in the state—no income limits, no eligibility hurdles.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
22 Sep. 2025
-
There are more hurdles to overcome.—
Lauren Uppal,
Mercury News,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
According to my company's 2025 IT Trends Report, 44% of IT professionals cite a lack of real-time visibility into network connectivity as a primary factor impeding their productivity.—
Douglas Murray,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
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The criminal complaint says authorities are charging Henson with damaging government property or contracts and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers or employees.—
Greg Norman,
FOXNews.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Advertisement Amazon still faces another lawsuit brought by the FTC in 2023, which alleged that the company is an exploitative monopoly and illegally suppressed competition among online marketplaces.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
26 Sep. 2025
-
The threats are so vague, and government power so extensive, that this will undoubtedly drive widespread self-censorship and suppress free expression across many communities out of fear.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Twin Cities,
26 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 28 Sep. 2025.
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