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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
held back her tears until she was alone
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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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
Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 1 Oct. 2025
In conversation with director Shoshannah Stern, a Deaf filmmaker and actress herself, Matlin doesn’t hold back.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 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
That means record stores around Indy must balance fans' expectations while contending with companies that hold back release details until the last minute.
—Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 1 Oct. 2025
In conversation with director Shoshannah Stern, a Deaf filmmaker and actress herself, Matlin doesn’t hold back.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
The Pontifical Academies also warned that delay raises systemic risks (economic, social, and health related) echoing the investor logic that policy certainty lowers risk premia.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
That delay could expose Club name Boeing to sizable non-cash accounting charges.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
This small but mighty cleaner has dual side brushes, multiple cleaning modes, and obstacle-avoidance technology.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Yet despite these obstacles, Pita’s voice has only grown louder, emerging as a leading figure in the global conversation on democracy and reform.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
After being hampered by injuries late in his time with the Royals, Keller is healthy and happy to be part of Chicago’s bullpen.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
2 Oct. 2025
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The appointment ends a three-month mayoral vacancy that has been hampering efforts to repair the city's aging, leak-prone water system.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Young stifled the 2021 Finals MVP throughout.—
Ben Pickman,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The unprecedented internet blackout came without public warning and was immediately attributed to an order from the Taliban, a repressive Islamist regime that has stifled personal freedoms, particularly those of women and girls, since taking power in 2021.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Toco has a 90-day wait, however, and requires an additional 1,000 miles on the odometer before your policy is activated.—
Brian Sloan,
CNBC,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Streamlined layouts—redesigned, open layouts create better traffic flow, make supplies easier to find and further reduce wait times.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The award had stock price hurdles of $350 and $400 and Clarke got no long-term equity grants in 2020, 2022, and 2023.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Ren also noted practical hurdles.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The scandal has already impeded the effort to hold Israel accountable for the death toll in Gaza; the woman fears that anger at Israel might now lead members of the assembly to discount her story and, instead, side with Khan.—
David D. Kirkpatrick,
New Yorker,
5 Oct. 2025
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However, 76ers guard Kennedy Chandler impeded his path, and Hart hit the hardwood in clear pain.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Multiple fire departments worked to suppress the blaze, police said.—
Charles Ventura,
USA Today,
3 Oct. 2025
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Tigers pitchers, meanwhile, rank 14th in suppressing home runs.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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