1
as in delays
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 obstacles
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdbacks
Noun
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However, with the Internal Revenue Service impacted, some mortgage approvals could face major delays, according to the National Association of Homebuilders.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025 -
As a result, service delays are likely, labor unions warn.—
Sarah Moreno,
Miami Herald,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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There are obstacles to the creation of a drone wall, namely its financing, management — given its cross-border nature and the diversity of airspace security laws — as well as issues to do with technical integration, according to Miriam McNabb, editor in chief of the online Dronelife publication.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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Farley called out declining investment in skilled trades, poor productivity, and bureaucratic hurdles as key obstacles facing the essential economy.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport hasn't experienced significant issues with long security waits since the shutdown began.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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Perfect for car rides, restaurant waits, and doctor’s office downtime.—
Emily Glover,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Ren also noted practical hurdles.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
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Roughly one third of owners cite lack of technical expertise or staff training as their biggest hurdles.—
Adam Mills,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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In 2025, Roborock launched a vacuum cleaner with a robotic arm for moving socks and other obstructions out of the way.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
21 Aug. 2025
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It’s bound to be laden with obstructions and those looking to undermine change.—
Rebecca Beitsch,
The Hill,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Kentucky passed House Bill 90 to reduce barriers for establishing freestanding birthing centers, which have been absent in the state since the 1980s.—
Killian Baarlaer,
Louisville Courier Journal,
3 Oct. 2025
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While the American College of Radiology now recommends annual MRI in addition to mammograms for women with dense breasts seeking supplemental screening, barriers to MRI use include lack of access, high-cost and patient intolerance, according to the authors.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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For many, the glamour of it all seemed to be gone, replaced with a glossy series of embarrassments.—
Lyz Lenz,
Rolling Stone,
16 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Holdbacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdbacks. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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