1
as in turning back
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2
as in putting off
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding off
Verb
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Chapman is in the midst of a career season at age 37, turning back the clock to re-establish himself as one of baseball’s most dominant closers.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
31 Aug. 2025 -
Lane picked up three on first down, but the Otay Ranch defense stiffened, turning back the next two runs for no gain.—
Kevin J. Farmer,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Amid an influx of trends, like the red pill movement, data shows that men are by and large putting off commitment for longer.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
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An appeal would freeze the process until the higher court rules, putting off a trial to 2026.—
John Diedrich,
jsonline.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Poison for one’s brand, such corporate drivel undermines trust in you and your company, turning away prospects.—
Michael Ashley,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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Our early evening view is gradually turning away from the direction of space occupied by Bootes.—
Mike Lynch,
Twin Cities,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Johnson then carried the ball on the last four plays, breaking off carries of eight, nine and 10 yards.—
Patrick Z. McGavin,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Aug. 2025
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After breaking off her first engagement with Affleck in 2004, the singer went on to marry singer-songwriter Marc Anthony.—
Ariana Quihuiz,
People.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Debt is quietly dictating the choices parents make for their families every day, from skipping meals to shelving college savings plans for their children.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Aug. 2025
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Inspectors found grease and debris buildup below all cooking equipment, on shelving throughout the kitchen and the floor and wall below the warewash and prep sink.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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The Windy City has prepared for more than a week for looming National Guard deployments and Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, from the governor bracing for a court fight to parade planners postponing.—
Priscilla Alvarez,
CNN Money,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Each Raptor engine must fire in perfect synchronization, maintaining stability during launch while withstanding extreme forces and vibrations.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
1 Sep. 2025
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Part of the problem is that many vulnerable communities lack access to vital financial services, that could otherwise be a lifeline for withstanding shocks and accessing economic opportunities in the wake of climate events.—
Felicia Jackson,
Forbes.com,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Procedures for excusing or deferring jury duty differs by county, according to the state’s judicial website.—
Tanasia Kenney,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
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Spokesman Ryan Gustin did not directly respond to questions about the Washington Post’s report, deferring questions to ICE.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
15 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Holding off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20off. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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