as in comprehensive
free from the usual limits or rules
a no-holds-barred interview with the senator a no-holds-barred contest
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Recent Examples of no-holds-barred
David Fincher's 1999 big screen adaptation of author Chuck Palahniuk's 1996 novel opened in U.S. theaters 25 years ago today, wowing audiences with its distinctive style and no-holds-barred — if frequently misunderstood — examination of modern masculinity.
—
John Russell, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024
But the seething energy shared between the various women in the film reaches operatic fever pitch, Close going no-holds-barred with Day and a combative Mo’Nique as a semi-sympathetic social worker.
—Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2024
The no-holds-barred, no gloves, everything-goes fighting had been happening in Brazil for many years.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2024
John Russell, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024
But the seething energy shared between the various women in the film reaches operatic fever pitch, Close going no-holds-barred with Day and a combative Mo’Nique as a semi-sympathetic social worker.
—Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2024
The no-holds-barred, no gloves, everything-goes fighting had been happening in Brazil for many years.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-holds-barred
Adjective
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This balancing act reflects Prime Video’s broader strategy of becoming a comprehensive entertainment destination.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
4 May 2025
-
Democrats tried for decades to pass comprehensive healthcare legislation before finally succeeding without any GOP support in 2010 under President Barack Obama.—
Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
Adjective
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Give your resume and LinkedIn profile a thorough audit (or get a resume writer or career coach to help you), and find ways to creatively include these in-demand skills within them.—
Rachel Wells,
Forbes.com,
1 May 2025
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The model comes with seven flossing tips, a one-minute timer with a 30-second pacer to ensure thorough water flossing of all areas and a removable water reservoir with 90+ seconds of flossing time.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2025
Adjective
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Some fans want a complete clearout and a change in owner, despite the unprecedented success and the significant investment.—
Rob Tanner,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2025
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For a complete list of events, visit the movement's website.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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