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
Big Think, 31 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
Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
For decades, business leaders have complained that California’s regulatory climate has overburdened companies across the state, blaming a morass of rules, permits and paperwork for pushing businesses and jobs out of state and holding back economic growth.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
And there is no more holdback suspense doubt.
—Big Think, 31 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
On the Senate side, the Appropriations Committee held back three of 32 bills.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
For decades, business leaders have complained that California’s regulatory climate has overburdened companies across the state, blaming a morass of rules, permits and paperwork for pushing businesses and jobs out of state and holding back economic growth.
—Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
Bridgerton season four wisely ditches the blackmail and delays Bridgerton’s indecent proposal.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Originally supposed to fly Sierra Space Dream Chaser test flight, but payload switched to an inert mass simulator because of potential Dream Chaser delays beyond October launch date.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In addition to the giant uncertainty of hemp’s future, there are some serious obstacles for the cannabis industry to get over.—
Will Yakowicz,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Leaders such as midfielder Andi Sullivan and goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury, who consistently fielded questions about the off-field obstacles, are still key parts of the team’s leadership in 2026.—
Emily Olsen,
New York Times,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Although weather conditions in Charlotte improved Monday, the aftermath of the storm continued to hamper travel plans, resulting in an additional 700 cancellations and 465 delays.—
Chase Jordan
January 27,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Read the Story US airlines are still paring back flights as a deep freeze hampers the restart of operations at some major hubs.—
Jordan Erb,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Some might find this stifling or claustrophobic, but being forced to live together day by day may also stimulate openness and mutual respect.—
Ian Bogost,
The Atlantic,
29 Jan. 2026
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But Bethel and Shah say some providers find health care to be over-regulated with requirements, paperwork and other documentation that can stifle the innovation needed to produce more creative solutions.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Volunteers — some from corporate sponsors, others who might come off the annual wait list for this opportunity — then carefully use a rubber stamp with this year’s winning original verse on the envelope.—
Mindy Sink,
Denver Post,
27 Jan. 2026
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Workers counter that the health giant can afford to boost wages, and that patients are already suffering from long wait times and subpar care because Kaiser does not offer competitive pay.—
Grant Stringer,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Data security presents another hurdle.—
Sahar Hashmi,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
Around the same time as the actions aimed at the five states, the administration put up hurdles to Minnesota for even more federal dollars.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Homan said there will be zero tolerance for interfering, impeding or assaulting officers.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
30 Jan. 2026
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While parking in the driveway may be convenient, cars cannot block the sidewalk or impede pedestrians passing by.—
Marley Malenfant,
Austin American Statesman,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This led organically to feelings of love for one’s Black nannies and friendship with the children of your Black live-in maids, but this warmth had to be suppressed.—
Eve Fairbanks,
The Dial,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Is grief, guilt, or shame suppressing your willpower?—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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