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
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Recent Examples of holds back
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
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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Administrative red tape stifles growth Beyond direct financial costs, small business owners are struggling with a sudden increase in bureaucratic red tape.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
29 Dec. 2025
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Over-regulation stifles American growth and aids China in this crucial race for global strength.—
Samuel Field,
Boston Herald,
25 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
That imbalance — one main character rendered flesh and blood while the other never comes to life — hinders the central narrative of the film.—
Murtada Elfadl,
Variety,
3 Jan. 2026
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The anti-caking coating that prevents cheese from sticking together also hinders cheese from blending or melting into other foods with ease.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
27 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Molochnikov’s Extremist, backed by Ben Stiller and John Lesher, is a resonant anti-war short that shows what happens when activism collides with an authoritarian regime that suppresses human rights and other freedoms.—
Destiny Jackson,
Deadline,
11 Jan. 2026
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When enforcement actions sweep through a community, fear suppresses economic activity almost overnight.—
Anabel Mendoza,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Let go of whatever impedes your growth.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
20 Dec. 2025
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During the meeting, Amy Flottemesch, president of the Cincinnati Food Truck Association, said the curfew impedes food truck owners’ ability to do business, which relies on late-night crowds.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
12 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
There is also something about a theme park that swallows you up.—
Kimberly Zapata,
Parents,
19 Dec. 2025
-
Once attached, the virus slides along the surface until the cell reshapes itself and swallows the virus inside.—
Pranjal Malewar,
New Atlas,
12 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
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
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There, the father of the bride gets too drunk and embarrasses himself.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holds back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20back. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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