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
Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The all-cash deal includes $75 million in holdbacks tied to certain performance targets and milestones over the next two years.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 1 May 2025
Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Such a hearing is useful only because the players, Walz and Ellison, were grilled by people not obsequiously invested in them and who don’t hold back their accusations of malfeasance.
—Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
He would then be allowed to use the materials after a holdback period—either 12 months following the release of the documentary or two years from the agreement’s signing, whichever comes first.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The all-cash deal includes $75 million in holdbacks tied to certain performance targets and milestones over the next two years.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 1 May 2025
Verb
Brantner Smith, who is not involved in the case, said departments may hold back K-9 resources for several reasons.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 9 Mar. 2026
Such a hearing is useful only because the players, Walz and Ellison, were grilled by people not obsequiously invested in them and who don’t hold back their accusations of malfeasance.
—Joe Soucheray, Twin Cities, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
The delay is limiting discussion on an important topic, said Stephanie Richard, a clinical professor who leads the Sunita Jain Anti-Trafficking Initiative at Loyola Law School, which released its own comprehensive report on human trafficking and the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics in December.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
So, everyday purchases such as clothing, phone cases, small appliances, and shoes remain subject to tariffs and customs delays.—
Jay Caruso,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
At full height, the ship has an air draft of about 328 feet, but the tilting system enables the masts to lower when necessary, allowing the vessel to pass beneath bridges or other obstacles along its route, The Maritime Executive writes.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2026
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The war is constraining oil exports and prompting major producers like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iraq to scale back output as shipments face growing obstacles.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
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When Cross-Goldenberg asked if the speedy trial violation that tanked the state case had to do with a reluctant witness, Reid said the case was hampered by a problem with the discovery process, since state prosecutors didn’t hand over material to the defense in a timely fashion.—
John Annese,
New York Daily News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Though some have argued that China’s abundant energy and manufacturing capacity give it an edge in the global AI race, Chinese executives say Washington’s restrictions on sales of the most advanced semiconductors are stifling the country’s AI development.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
13 Mar. 2026
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But waning financial support, due in part to a animal rights group targeting national sponsors, has shrunk the purse while inflation is stifling young mushers trying to make a go of it.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The partial government shutdown has caused lengthy wait times for travelers at some airport security checkpoints where the Transportation Security Administration is short-staffed.—
Kelly McCarthy,
ABC News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport said Monday TSA waits can extend up to two hours and advised passengers to arrive at least three hours before their flight.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Revenue sharing will be the biggest hurdle to get over.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
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Obtaining a passport in time for a looming voter registration deadline is another potential hurdle.—
Julie Carr Smyth,
Fortune,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Oil prices have spiked above $100 per barrel amid Iranian threats to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and declarations of force majeure by both Kuwait and Bahrain, who argue events beyond their control have impeded their ability to deliver petroleum.—
Michael M. Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
13 Mar. 2026
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The indictment includes the conspiracy count, which carries a maximum sentence of six years in federal prison, as well as several other counts of forcibly impeding a federal officer, each punishable by up to one year in federal prison.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Bondi wants to suppress, or at least stall, state Bar investigations against them.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
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Which stories persist, which fade and which are actively suppressed are decisions increasingly made by private companies rather than public institutions.—
Arnaud Kurze,
The Conversation,
9 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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