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 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

The lack of open pores in the soil also hampers the movement of air and water.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026
Cybersecurity experts increasingly warn that restricting access to advanced AI models hampers defenders’ ability to identify vulnerabilities, test systems, and develop countermeasures.

— James Marks, Fortune, 23 July 2026

Definition of hampers

Verb

Industry consensus has long held that rigorous ESG compliance naturally stifles speed-to-market.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026
Attorneys general, including California’s Rob Bonta, allege that the transaction stifles competition across wide-release theatrical film distribution, big-budget blockbusters, and basic cable television channel licensing.

— Jake Kanter, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of stifles

Verb

Ultimately, glorifying sleep deprivation is counterproductive; prioritizing sleep is key for career longevity and productivity, while chronic insomnia leads to impaired judgment and hinders professional growth.

— Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Neptune retrograde hinders our intuition, leaving us lost in the fog.

— Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 15 July 2026

Definition of hinders

Verb

Warming suppresses upwelling — which normally allows colder, deeper and nutrient-rich ocean water to rise closer to the surface.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
Testosterone therapy suppresses the body's production of sperm and, in some cases, can lead to permanent infertility.

— Will Stone, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of suppresses

Verb

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
Contempt of Congress is a federal misdemeanor in which an individual willfully disobeys or impedes a congressional investigation.

— Connor Greene, Time, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of impedes

Verb

Graft inquiry embarrasses Zelensky Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office said in a Telegram announcement that the investigation into Yermak is ongoing.

— Hanna Arhirova, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 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