as in postponing
to assign to a later time
we held off on accepting the invitation in the hopes that something better would come along
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding off (on)
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 -
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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Coach Mike McDaniel said Waller was injured before Wednesday’s practice, delaying his return after spending last season in retirement.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
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The experts also recommend keeping devices out of bedrooms at night, establishing screen-free meals and even considering delaying access until mid-adolescence.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 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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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 (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20off%20%28on%29. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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