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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Which had Riley then turning back to the East.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
30 May 2026 -
Surveillance video of the same moment from a different angle appears to show Toledo with his right arm behind the fence, possibly making a throwing motion, and then turning back toward the officer.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
Verb
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That did mean putting off other major projects, including construction of the new, $24 million Barbour Street library in the city’s northside neighborhood.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2026
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Commissioner Jessica Vasquez requested the AI proposal be deferred, likely putting off consideration for at least one month.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
Verb
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But when turning away becomes habitual, relationships begin to feel emotionally lonely.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2026
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In the reading, 1 Kings Chapter 9, God warns King Solomon against turning away from him as Solomon consecrates the temple in Jerusalem.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Among efforts—three engagements to women that ended up breaking off.—
Cathy Applefeld Olson,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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Honduras established diplomatic ties with China in 2023 after breaking off relations with Taiwan.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Gadd wrote the first episode back in 2019, shelving the tale of two brothers with a dysfunctional bond for four years.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
14 May 2026
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Zeitz steered Harley back toward its traditional cruiser market, particularly at the premium end, shelving many of the company’s more unconventional ambitions.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Mark had hired a photographer and revolved the engagement around a special place close to both his and Jess' hearts, so postponing the proposal wouldn't do anyone any favors.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
27 May 2026
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Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
25 May 2026
Verb
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When that web frays, ecosystems lose their ability to store carbon and produce food, water, and oxygen, while withstanding climate stress.—
Tatjana Baleta,
Time,
28 May 2026
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These cold-hardy crops are the backbone of an early spring garden, capable of withstanding light frosts and continuing to produce as temperatures slowly warm.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2026
Verb
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This could include, for instance, decisions slowing down, teams deferring instead of owning and outcomes becoming harder to replicate without leadership's direct involvement.—
Kevin O'Neill,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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But developing what is in place and deferring the pick to another draft could set up a better future.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
13 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Holding off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20off. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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