1
as in hampers
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stifles
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
held back her tears until she was alone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of holds back
The company holds back 30% of the equity to cover its selling costs, settlement charges and miscellaneous other fees, including 9% per day on all advanced funds.
—
Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Sophie holds back and cries in her room.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
Neutral is considered a spot that neither boosts nor holds back economic activity, and the funds rate is just half a percentage point above where most on the FOMC see the rate landing over the long term.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2026
Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
Sophie holds back and cries in her room.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026
Neutral is considered a spot that neither boosts nor holds back economic activity, and the funds rate is just half a percentage point above where most on the FOMC see the rate landing over the long term.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds back
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Some parents have no issue monitoring and restricting how kids are using social media, AI chat bots, and even texting apps to keep them safe, while others worry too much oversight is an invasion of privacy and stifles their child's ability to develop independence.—
Liz Regalia,
Parents,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Still, critics caution that the collaboration between OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank could form a cartel that stifles innovation while inflating costs.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Afterward, Denver7 heard from Douglas County residents, including a Parker woman who feels the move hinders productive conversations around local issues and is merely a way for the commissioners to dodge criticism and accountability.—
thedenverchannel.com,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) in 2023, which hinders his ability to communicate.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
This suppresses competition from other vegetation.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Mulch conserves moisture, improves water retention, suppresses weed growth, insulates and protects rose roots and enriches the soil with organic matter.—
Rita Perwich,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The weir prohibits the flow of saltwater into the lagoon and impedes the draining of sediment from the lagoon into the ocean.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Mar. 2026
-
This gross oversight, which is largely due to a lack of financial backing, impedes reproductive health for everyone.—
Kenneth H. Mayer,
STAT,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
That was a major downgrade from his current district, which swallows up right-leaning eastern San Diego County and the conservative pockets of Temecula and Murrieta.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Straining at a gnat, the majority swallows a camel.—
Ben Fenwick,
Oklahoma Watch,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Their team might need the firmer assessment that challenges pride and even embarrasses, then the next year's group might need a lighter touch.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Maia and her boyfriend Dylan (Josh Hustcherson) are on the outs after Maia completely embarrasses herself at Dylan’s game night with his co-workers.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holds back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20back. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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