as in comprehensive
free from the usual limits or rules
a no-holds-barred interview with the senator a no-holds-barred contest
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 no-holds-barred
The mockery has been no-holds-barred and has included depictions of Trump in bed with Satan, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem shooting cute cartoon dogs, and Dora the Explorer giving a massage at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s resort Florida.
—
Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 16 Aug. 2025
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
Dominick Mastrangelo, The Hill, 16 Aug. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-holds-barred
Adjective
-
The result is high-quality health care that is accessible, comprehensive, and most of all, personalized.—
Conviva Senior Primary Care,
Miami Herald,
20 Oct. 2025
-
This list is in no particular order and is in no way comprehensive.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Ability to manage growth in a manner that reflects the reasons people find Matthews attractive, create a budget that is thorough and efficient, ability to work with citizens and town leaders to maintain Matthews’ sense of self.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Oct. 2025
-
The dealmaking process has been thorough and lengthy, with the 27-member trade bloc and the largest nation in South Asia having met 14 times for negotiations, the last being in Brussels last week.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
From General Hospital's big wins, to Drew Barrymore's first Emmy, keep scrolling to see which fan-favorites come out on top by viewing the complete list of winners from the 2025 Daytime Emmys.—
Liza Esquibias,
PEOPLE,
18 Oct. 2025
-
Then in Game Two came Yoshinobu Yamamoto (three hundred and twenty-five million for twelve years), who gave up a home run to the first batter before pitching a complete game in which no one else got to second base.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
18 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share