HOLDS OFF (ON) Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

holds off (on)

verb

present tense third-person singular of hold off (on)

as in postpones

to assign to a later time we held off on accepting the invitation in the hopes that something better would come along

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds off (on)

Verb

If that postpones $3–5 billion of annual future cash flow and requires $3–5 billion of continuing engineering and development expenditure, the present-value effect can approach $10–20 billion.

— Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Funeral postpones talks with US Khamenei’s body will be transported to cities in Iran and neighboring Iraq, with authorities planning to drive his casket and others through the streets of Tehran on Monday.

— Nasser Karimi, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026

Definition of postpones

Verb

The person who delays repayment may create tension, even if unintentionally.

— Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Chief Estella Patterson told committee members officers have a hard time determining the exact age of juveniles without an ID, which delays the investigation and prolongs police interactions.

— Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026

Definition of delays

Verb

The museum, opened in 2011, holds over 650 pieces of Art Nouveau jewelry, Art Deco glassware and contemporary crystal.

— News Desk, Artforum, 7 July 2026
Satellite image ©2026 Vantor via AP Some people began to carry off basic goods such as toilet paper and food from stores in Catia La Mar, a neighborhood in La Guaira that holds over 200 housing towers.

— CBS News, CBS News, 27 June 2026

Definition of holds over

Verb

Quinn defers on the proposal but starts seeing Oliver in their new setting, creating the love triangle.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 24 July 2026
While this strategic pivot defers short-term revenue and creates market uncertainty, with full returns anticipated by 2027, it's seen as a calculated gamble to build a larger future revenue stream and expand its competitive edge.

— Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

Definition of defers

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holds off

holds off (on)

holds on

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“Holds off (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20off%20%28on%29. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of holds off (on)

verb

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