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
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 measure, which is backed by two Native American tribes, calls for a comprehensive study on the feasibility of bringing back the golden bears that festoon the state’s flag.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The commission then took up the comprehensive plan change request for a vote, but even though Hoefs made a motion to recommend approval, the other commissioners did not second it.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Yet, that flexibility is completely meaningless unless anchored by a structured and thorough psychological approach.—
Lucy Jones
April 11,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Be thorough, because any little tubers that break off will grow many more plants.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
His likeness, complete with robes and a halo, and sometimes holding an AR-15 or a box of bullets, could be found on T-shirts, prayer candles, gun magazines and other items.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Apr. 2026
-
But Lincoln controls the whole tempo, the complete vibe of the affair with her epic vocals, effortless charm, and wonderful instincts.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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