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
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Recent Examples of holdback
Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
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
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Cohen, no doubt, won't hold back on getting answers.
—Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
And there could have been some holdback.
—Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
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
Verb
Malone hasn’t held back when speaking about the video’s inspiration or its target.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Cohen, no doubt, won't hold back on getting answers.
—Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
Leading up to Whitmer's announcement, Republicans railed against Whitmer's delay in calling for a special election.—
Clara Hendrickson,
Freep.com,
30 Aug. 2025
-
United’s outage earlier this month was resolved within a few hours and the airline implemented delays and cancellations to return operations to normal.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
No matter how hard life got, no matter the obstacles, those 3 words got me through it all.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
20 Aug. 2025
-
Legal challenges pose a more likely obstacle to Trump's takeover, as was the case last week.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Brooks’ progress was hampered by a serious ankle injury the next season, which ended with Bournemouth getting relegated, and illness and fitness subsequently held back his career.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Any adoption pathway that fails to support them risks stifling the very pipeline of innovation the NHS and wider economy depends on.—
Kath Mackay,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Byron Nelson’s swarming defense stifled a potent offense that averaged over 53 points per game a year ago, holding Frenship to just seven points — none in the second half — and just two first downs after intermission.—
Mike Waters,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The process delivers insight without the need for hospital visits or long wait times.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
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For the 2022 tax filing season, the IRS reported a 15% LOS and an average wait time of 28 minutes.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The streamlined financial framework is especially attractive to globally mobile entrepreneurs and internationally minded individuals, removing many of the logistical and bureaucratic hurdles that single-nationality status can present.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
30 Aug. 2025
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But since both Armored Core and Daemon X Machina focus on humanoid machines, this was a much harder hurdle.—
Ollie Barder,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Misconceptions that impede innovation include: R&D Is Solely Responsible for Innovation, The S-Curve Paradox, and Intelligent Failure.—
Merle Symes,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
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The metal also helps form the myelin that coats and insulates the communication lines and helps microglial cells clear cellular debris that can impede brain function.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Today, these antiquated statutes are increasingly being repurposed by governments to suppress opposition by prosecuting speech.—
Stephen Townley,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Practical strategies to keep anger in check Great leaders understand that emotional discipline is not about suppressing feelings but instead channeling them productively.—
Dr. Cynthia J. Young,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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