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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds off (on)
Verb
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The Defense secretary said the ceasefire postpones the deadline for securing such approval.—
Ben Finley,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Apr. 2026 -
This is equally true of society, and disregarding this truth only postpones the moment of reckoning.—
Alec Nevala-Lee,
The Atlantic,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Likewise, if a player deliberately delays a throw-in, the opposing team could be given the throw-in instead.—
Russell Lewis,
NPR,
12 June 2026
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This can make conversations feel heavier, delays more frustrating and feedback harder to digest.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
9 June 2026
Verb
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Along with its 13-acre legacy vineyard growing its iconic red wine grape — cabernet sauvignon — the garden holds over 50 species of Asian magnolias, ranging from large trees to medium shrubs.—
Kalpana Mohan,
Mercury News,
8 June 2026
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Expect dry conditions and light winds as high pressure holds over the region.—
Stacey DuFord,
CBS News,
7 June 2026
Verb
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Blocking protected time for asset building is essential, as busy work often defers this crucial development.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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White often has been tight-lipped regarding her players’ injuries and repeatedly defers questions to the medical staff, which isn’t allowed to speak publicly about players’ health.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
23 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Holds off (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holds%20off%20%28on%29. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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