1
as in stands off
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2
as in puts off
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds off
Verb
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Leaving clean laundry in the dryer or hamper only puts off a chore until later, keeps clean clothes from its proper place, and also risks wrinkles or someone accidentally mistaking it for dirty laundry instead.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And this worry usually arises when a dog turns away from food, gets a stomach ache, or loses energy.—
Lyssanoel Frater,
USA Today,
17 Feb. 2026
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My body turns away before my mind can catch up.—
Valeng Cha,
Twin Cities,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Mahama breaks off in exasperation.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
30 Oct. 2025
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The scene where ‘80s teen Marty McFly borrows a scooter from a bewildered ‘50s kid and breaks off the handles to make a skateboard is one of the film’s most iconic moments.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Their discussion then turns back to the potential of a romance—and heartbreak—between them.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
21 Feb. 2026
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Doing so will ensure your paperwork is processed and ready to go when the spigot turns back on.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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If someone resists, make an effort to hear them out and understand the real issue.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Feb. 2026
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London resists reduction to a single trend.—
Samantha Conti,
Footwear News,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The result was a fun cameo arc that ends on the image of Scorsese breaking down in tears after Matt shelves the iconic director’s dream project to save his own job — a turn that earned Scorsese his first acting nomination.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Read on to see how Danessa Myricks Beauty’s Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder withstands the test of time.—
Essence Wiley,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
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Whether Operation Metro Surge ultimately withstands judicial scrutiny remains to be seen.—
Yohuru Williams,
The Conversation,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Depending on how long the renter defers part of the payment, Livble’s fees can translate into effective annual percentage rates of roughly 104% to 139%.—
Ken Sweet,
Fortune,
4 Feb. 2026
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One amendment to the bill adding new zoning categories defers its effective date to April 5, which Johnston said was meant to give the Planning Department enough time to put together and disseminate the map.—
Austin Hornbostel,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Dec. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Holds off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20off. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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