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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
Dan Adika, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
O'Shaughnessy doesn't hold back on sharing her and Ride's intimate moments in the documentary.
—Justine Fisher, People.com, 15 June 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
McKinsey finds that a lack of a structured, enterprise-wide approach to adoption and scaling—including training, governance, measurement and communication—is holding back the ROI of GenAI.
—Dan Adika, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
O'Shaughnessy doesn't hold back on sharing her and Ride's intimate moments in the documentary.
—Justine Fisher, People.com, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
In a post-pandemic world where air travel has become increasingly unpredictable—think flight delays, overcrowded airports, and service that sometimes feels like an afterthought—finding carriers that consistently deliver excellence feels like striking gold (literally).—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
18 June 2025
-
Without governance, organizations may face regulatory delays, product holds or reputational damage.—
Doron Sitbon,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
Listen to this article The path back to the pinnacle was littered with obstacles.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
21 June 2025
-
But there’s a major obstacle: municipalities, not the national government, are responsible for managing stray animals.—
Lisa Klaassen,
CNN Money,
20 June 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 June 2025
-
As exciting as the high-speed maze gameplay gets, though, Pac-Man Superfast is hampered by a few odd design decisions.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
Meanwhile, Trump sent 700 Marines Tuesday to help National Guard troops stifle protest violence and damage, according to the Los Angeles Times.—
Abby Pender,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2025
-
The Office for Students said Thursday that freedom of speech and academic freedom are crucial to higher education, so the guidelines are designed to ensure that universities don’t stifle any form of legal speech on their campuses or in their classrooms.—
Danica Kirka,
Los Angeles Times,
19 June 2025
Noun
-
And, Burke and the Pate brothers say the final season will be well worth the wait.—
Samantha Stutsman,
People.com,
21 June 2025
-
The program is a partnership between the two agencies and an effort to clear crash investigations more quickly in a region with clogged roads, a ballooning population and often-long wait times after minor accidents.—
Natalia Jaramillo,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 June 2025
Noun
-
Those are hurdles for many of the most vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries, many of whom are young adults.—
Alice Park,
Time,
18 June 2025
-
Although House supporters of the bill have reportedly promised to push the bill through, so Trump can sign it into law by July, the GENIUS Act is likely to face hurdles.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
18 June 2025
Verb
-
This month she was indicted on three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding and interfering with federal officials.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 June 2025
-
The indictment, announced earlier this month, accuses McIver of three counts: two felonies for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers—each carrying up to eight years in prison—and a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 June 2025
Verb
-
Firefighters are working to suppress the fire, which is currently burning with a slow rate of spread.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2025
-
This outdated mentality fosters two counterproductive patterns: emotional repression, in which individuals suppress feelings, and emotional reactivity, where feelings are expressed impulsively and without regulation.—
Andriana Eliadis,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share