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
Japan has very specific holdback structures for their content that are just different from America’s.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 8 May 2025
So far, both sides appear to be holding back from an all-out war.
—Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 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
Japan has very specific holdback structures for their content that are just different from America’s.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
He’s heard widespread reports of factories holding back orders because their buyers are waiting to see if cooler heads in the White House will still prevail.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 8 May 2025
So far, both sides appear to be holding back from an all-out war.
—Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
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After months of delays, a resentencing hearing to determine whether the Menendez brothers should be released from prison after serving more than three decades is set to begin Tuesday.—
Jane Onyanga-Omara,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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However, the case has been marked by a series of delays after his first trial ended in a hung jury.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Players utilize a set of common rules -- that can be altered by the game master -- and dice to overcome obstacles as the group works to collaboratively tell a story.—
Remington Miller,
Arkansas Online,
16 May 2025
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Powered by Adelaide, Forbes AI Running a company means facing obstacles that shake your foundation.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Verb
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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,
17 May 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 May 2025
Verb
-
The intent, the critics have said, is in fact to stifle findings about the noxious content that is increasingly polluting social media and political discourse.—
Steven Lee Myers,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
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That could stifle advocacy, research, and direct services in reproductive health, refugee resettlement, environmental justice, or racial equity.—
Shahar Ziv,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2025
Noun
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Residents calling the department’s Medicaid call center during 2023 had average wait times of 32 minutes.—
Christopher O’Donnell,
Miami Herald,
17 May 2025
-
Beyoncé made the wait worthwhile, though fans had a right to feel frustrated.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
The impact of the legislative hurdles is being felt at the construction site.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 May 2025
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Despite the logistical hurdles, the experience left a profound impact on the actor.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
13 May 2025
Verb
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On April 16, the Department of Homeland Security threatened to impede Harvard’s ability to enroll students from abroad – an unprecedented move that would devastate the campus if the White House moved forward with it.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
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As previously ordered, Apple will not impede competition.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Orwell authored 1984, a bleak vision of the future where an authoritarian regime weaponizes language to suppress independent thought and rewrite history.—
Jason Snyder,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
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However, consistent, long-term stress can wear down your immune system, exposing you to inflammation and suppressing your body's response to infections.2 UTIs occur when the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, is infected.—
Brittany Dube,
Health,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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