HOLDS BACK Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

holds back

verb

present tense third-person singular of hold back

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stifles

to refrain from openly showing or uttering held back her tears until she was alone

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of holds back Eventually, though, and soon, Colorado will need to institute a new water conservation program that holds back some water for release downstream through this stretch and on toward Lake Powell when it’s most needed in summer, Holm said. — Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2026 Samsung traditionally holds back one color in the Galaxy S range to be a web exclusive and drive consumers to its website, although typically this is one of the standard black or grey colors. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 The hydropower from Glen Canyon Dam that holds back Lake Powell serves more than 350,000 homes. — ABC News, 8 May 2026 Nmecha holds back, posing doubt for Sanchez and a narrow window for his pass out. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds back

Verb

This hampers several of my favorite performances, especially Harper, whose Ben is full of sarcastic indignation, and June Laporte as Ginny, an aspiring reporter in need of proper mentoring.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026
That marks a 37% increase from the same time last year, as the Iran war hampers oil supply.

— Alex Harring, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of hampers

Verb

Being polished hinders the chance for an honest dialogue as the moon agitates Chiron.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
But Meta raised concerns about some of the bills, saying the law to restrict addictive feeds hinders the company's ability to bring enjoyable content to users on its platforms.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of hinders

Verb

Far fewer teams can quantify how autosuggest modifiers alter user behavior, how star-rating variance suppresses click-through rates or how ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews and other AI platforms characterize their brand in response to real user queries.

— Paul M. Wilson, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026
The fallen autumn leaves can be left in the garden to serve as a carbon-rich winter cover that suppresses weeds just as effectively as wood bark mulch.

— Manjot Kaur Sidhu, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of suppresses

Verb

The sheriff said vehicles parked in a way that impedes traffic will be towed at the owner's expense.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026
Typically, PAs are putting in 60-hour workweeks, and their duties can include everything from running errands to cleaning up messes to managing the general public when filming takes place in a location and impedes foot or car traffic.

— Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of impedes

Verb

Social Security swallows nearly a quarter of the federal budget and is less than a decade away from insolvency.

— Andrew G. Biggs, Washington Post, 28 Aug. 2026
If your dog swallows these fibers, it can get caught up in the digestive tract like hair in plumbing and create a blockage.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of swallows

Verb

Or from locking up Mick Cronin through 2030, even though UCLA’s prickly basketball coach embarrasses the university annually and hasn’t reached a Sweet 16 since 2023.

— Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Now the technology embarrasses an umpire even more than a player could, and what’s the recourse?

— Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026

Definition of embarrasses

Verb

Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
Anatasia steals a truck and obstructs their path, sacrificing herself to a bleak future, all in the name of love.

— Hunter Ingram, Variety, 10 July 2026