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holdback

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of holdback

1 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 of holdback

delay, detainment, detention, holding pattern, holdup, wait
Words Related to holdback

deferment, deferral, postponement

reprieve, respite

foot-dragging, hesitation, lag, pause, setback, slowdown
Near Antonyms of holdback

haste, rush

dispatch, promptitude, promptness
2 something that makes movement or progress difficult
  • the only holdback to starting the new job is my contractual commitment to my current position
Synonyms of holdback

balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, encumbrance, fetter, handicap, hindrance, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel
Words Related to holdback

catch, hitch, rub, snag

barrier, blockade, blockage, brick wall, stone wall

arrest, bit, brake, check, constraint, curb, hobble, rein, restraint

embargo, stoppage

delay, holdup, stall

burden, cumber, load

danger, hazard, peril, reef

adversity, difficulty, disadvantage, drawback, hardship
Near Antonyms of holdback

catalyst, goad, impetus, incentive, spur, stimulant, stimulus

advantage, break, edge

aid, assistance, benefit, boost, handmaiden (also handmaid), help

hold back

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of hold back

1 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 of hold back

clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, hamper, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold up, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel
Words Related to hold back

balk, check, constrain, curb, rein, restrain

bind, chain, halter, leash, tether, tie

arrest, brake, delay, retain, retard

barricade, block, blockade, roadblock

bog (down), mire

choke, smother, stifle, strangle, suffocate

baffle, foil, frustrate, stump, thwart

derail, disrupt, sabotage

muzzle, repress, suppress

confine, hedge (in), hem (in)
Phrases Synonymous with hold back

cramp oneʼs style, give a hard time
Near Antonyms of hold back

clear, make way, open, unclog, unplug, unstop

free, liberate, release, untie

loosen, smooth

encourage, further, promote
Antonyms of hold back

aid, assist, facilitate, help
2 to refrain from openly showing or uttering
  • held back her tears until she was alone
Synonyms of hold back

choke (back), pocket, repress, sink, smother, stifle, strangle, submerge, suppress, swallow
Words Related to hold back

control, govern, manage

bridle, check, curb, quash, quell

bottle up, contain

muffle, squelch
Near Antonyms of hold back

express, loose, release, take out, unleash, vent

Learn More about holdback

  1. See words that rhyme with holdback Dictionary: Definition of holdback

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