as in delays
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
a holdup in construction due to the weather
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 holdups
With holdups at home, investors are exploring buildouts abroad, including in the energy-rich Gulf states.
—
Jared Cohen, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
According to McKay, five of the holdups involved a man armed with what appeared to be a firearm.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
In her opinion, the holdups, delays and claim denials point to the city of Fort Worth trying to save money on treatment costs.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2026
The rollout of these drone delivery programs has been infrequent due to regulatory holdups regarding the safety of the technology, and the ability for drones to operate in poor weather conditions.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Jan. 2026
The good news is that all of these boarding holdups can be avoided.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
However, economic uncertainty has slowed the process for some companies, and regulatory holdups have played a bigger role than anticipated.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025
Speaking on the Senate floor, Thune called on colleagues from both parties to avoid procedural holdups and allow the House to act quickly.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Over time, detectives have focused on a robbery crew linked to a string of fast-food holdups that summer.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Jared Cohen, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
According to McKay, five of the holdups involved a man armed with what appeared to be a firearm.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
In her opinion, the holdups, delays and claim denials point to the city of Fort Worth trying to save money on treatment costs.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2026
The rollout of these drone delivery programs has been infrequent due to regulatory holdups regarding the safety of the technology, and the ability for drones to operate in poor weather conditions.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Jan. 2026
The good news is that all of these boarding holdups can be avoided.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
However, economic uncertainty has slowed the process for some companies, and regulatory holdups have played a bigger role than anticipated.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025
Speaking on the Senate floor, Thune called on colleagues from both parties to avoid procedural holdups and allow the House to act quickly.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Over time, detectives have focused on a robbery crew linked to a string of fast-food holdups that summer.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdups
Noun
-
Fellow passengers were moved and amazed to witness a former president stuck in typical airport delays alongside them.—
Meg Kinnard,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2026
-
As part of the lawsuit, Hartsuch claims Board of Medicine rules require that investigations be conducted and resolved within a reasonable time, and that the board knew or should have known that its delays would prevent Hartsuch from working as an ER physician.—
Clark Kauffman,
Iowa Capital Dispatch,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The menu includes classics like salads, pizzas, fish tacos, sandwiches, and orders arrive promptly without long waits.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Back on opening day of the ride, all went well for a couple of hours, then stoppages led to 300-minute waits.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holdups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdups. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
