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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Meanwhile, a stylist has had to cancel his own honeymoon due to delays in the tour, indicating both slavish, life-altering devotion to the British pop star in her coterie, but also her obliviousness to such things going on.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
24 Jan. 2026 -
American Airlines accounts for most of the cancellations and delays, with 940 cancellations and 275 delays.—
Matt Nighswander,
NBC news,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Institutions were obstacles to be blamed or bypassed.—
Philip Martin,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Ladders can help fish circumvent these obstacles, but learning to navigate them can take the animals days.—
Katherine J. Wu,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Riders should expect fewer trains, longer waits and delays across the system.—
Elijah Westbrook,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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During a winter storm last January, TSA in Atlanta saw major staffing callouts that cascaded into hourslong security waits as some officers were not able to safely get to work.—
Savannah Sicurella,
AJC.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The 35% analyst upside projection appears optimistic given the structural hurdles.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
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Financing hurdles In April, the City Council created a special tax district to help pay for the Stitch.—
Zachary Hansen,
AJC.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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These signs usually indicate several issues like clogs and obstructions or worn out parts.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
11 Dec. 2025
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Do yourself a favor and take the time to properly inspect the machine, tighten any fasteners, check for wear on the rotor paddles, scrapers, and skid shoes, and ensure that the auger and chute are free of obstructions.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Earlier this month, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada and China reached a preliminary deal to remove trade barriers and lower tariffs.—
Terri Cullen,
CNBC,
24 Jan. 2026
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Geographic barriers and limited profit potential have long discouraged private internet service providers from these areas, thus necessitating public investment.—
Letters to the Editor,
Oc Register,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Such a link might also provide the quiet word that can avoid more public embarrassments.—
Ian Irving,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
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Vulnerability is currency on reality television, and after a season of exposing their own struggles and embarrassments, the other women are annoyed that Meredith wants to keep up appearances.—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
7 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Holdbacks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdbacks. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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