Synonyms of holdbacks

holdbacks

noun

plural of holdback

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

• delays
• waits
• holdups
• deferrals
• holding patterns
• postponements
• respites
• deferments
• detentions
• pauses
• hesitations
• detainments
• setbacks
• lags
• reprieves
• slowdowns
• foot-draggings

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rushes
• dispatches
• hastes
• promptitudes

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

• obstacles
• hurdles
• obstructions
• barriers
• embarrassments
• encumbrances
• deterrents
• impediments
• constraints
• shackles
• chains
• interferences
• hindrances
• burdens
• inhibitions
• blocks
• handicaps
• hitches
• stumbling blocks
• loads
• stops
• cramps
• trammels
• manacles
• lets
• fetters
• restraints
• clogs
• bars
• brakes
• snags
• delays
• balks
• crimps
• curbs
• stone walls
• reins
• blockades
• dangers
• brick walls
• drags
• catches
• disadvantages
• rubs
• blockages
• embargoes
• arrests
• stoppages
• hazards
• stalls
• difficulties
• bits
• holdups
• hardships
• checks
• perils
• reefs
• drawbacks
• hobbles
• adversities
• cumbers

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• incentives
• stimuli
• catalysts
• spurs
• stimulants
• advantages
• edges
• benefits
• breaks
• goads
• impetuses
• help
• aids
• assistances
• handmaidens
• boosts

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of holdbacks

In reality, holdbacks are about risk allocation, indemnity or unresolved diligence items. — Mike McIsaac Cpa, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

And maybe this is an opportunity to voice something, and that is that independent films from the United States are more and more often being subjected to strategies which used to be dedicated to bigger, more commercial films, in terms of holdbacks. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 21 June 2026

Universities will continue to deal with the 3% holdbacks — plus another 2% drop — for next fiscal year, according to the statement of purpose for the appropriations bill that senators passed Thursday. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026

Add curtain holdbacks with playful animal details, or top your door hinges with decorative hinge caps for a knowing wink of whimsy. — Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026