holding off (on)

present participle of hold off (on)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding off (on)
Verb
  • That debate sparked angry exchanges among different justices, which led Justice Flávio Dino to ask for the review that led to postponing the decision.
    MAURICIO SAVARESE, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Humor becomes a way of both relieving and postponing tension.
    Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Kim Anding, the Lighthouse’s former controller, told the Star-Telegram that delaying roof repairs amounted to negligence.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Thirty percent also reported delaying or forgoing medical care.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • There are more than 300 such foundations across the country, holding over $40 billion in assets, according to Grantmakers In Health (paywall).
    Laura MacDonald, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Landa worked with the Association to get the original project approved in 2017 after holding over 30 public meetings.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Stop putting off that next step for your side hustle and find the perfect person to take your business to the next level.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Poppe said the company was putting off $2 billion in work — not for wildfire mitigation or safety, but for housing developments, renewable energy projects and other efforts.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • When the paycheck is steady and when deferring may even feel rational.
    Srinivasulu Mupparaju, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Glenn will take over the play-calling duties after deferring those responsibilities to Steve Wilks last year.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 7 Sep. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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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 21 Sep. 2026.

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