as in delays
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
a holdup in construction due to the weather
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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
-
Some passengers have been arriving even earlier in Atlanta -- one of the world's busiest airports -- spooked about missing flights because of delays.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
22 Mar. 2026
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Balancing these two extremes, fear that delays and haste that risks reinjury, is key, Webster said.—
Ian McMahan,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
More drivers chasing fewer deliveries means longer waits for tasks.—
Andrew Garin,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Some Epic visitors have complained about hours-long waits for major rides, particularly Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a dark ride in the park’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter area.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holdups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdups. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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