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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holdups
Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas recorded 112 delays as of the afternoon, with the holdups lasting between 16 and 30 minutes over wind disruptions.
—
Antonio Pequeño Iv,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
The city comptroller has launched an investigation into City Hall’s handing of outdoor dining permits, raising concerns about procedural holdups that could be preventing hundreds of restaurants from opening up en plein air seating this spring.
—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
But there are some potential holdups.
—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
Police have also charged 32-year-old Guardy Roman in connection with two of the holdups reported last fall.
—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
1 May 2026
His gang reportedly was involved in at least 20 murders, 100 holdups and 150 burglaries.
—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
With holdups at home, investors are exploring buildouts abroad, including in the energy-rich Gulf states.
—
Jared Cohen,
Time,
18 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
Antonio Pequeño Iv,
Forbes.com,
24 May 2026
The city comptroller has launched an investigation into City Hall’s handing of outdoor dining permits, raising concerns about procedural holdups that could be preventing hundreds of restaurants from opening up en plein air seating this spring.
—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
But there are some potential holdups.
—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
Police have also charged 32-year-old Guardy Roman in connection with two of the holdups reported last fall.
—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
1 May 2026
His gang reportedly was involved in at least 20 murders, 100 holdups and 150 burglaries.
—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
With holdups at home, investors are exploring buildouts abroad, including in the energy-rich Gulf states.
—
Jared Cohen,
Time,
18 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdups
Noun
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Common travel problems include flight delays, lost luggage, and unexpected hotel issues.
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Local media reported the clashes erupted because of frustrations over the delays in the migrants' returning home.
Noun
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Powell said China has such operations lined up and planned well in advance and waits for such triggering events.
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At its core, Megawheels believes that children should not be stuck on the sidelines while the outdoors waits.
Cite this Entry
“Holdups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdups. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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