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
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Request a comprehensive inventory of all AI systems currently deployed or under consideration.—
Steven Wolfe Pereira,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
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Rísquez is the co-founder and director of Monitor de Víctimas, an investigative platform that provides comprehensive data on violence in the country.—
Oriana van Praag,
New Yorker,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Minnesota state investigators would need to be able to conduct a thorough investigation to move forward with potential state charges against the unnamed ICE agent who fatally shot Good, according to Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
9 Jan. 2026
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Bath toys deserve a thorough cleaning at least monthly to remove body soil and soap scum that can invite mold and mildew to form.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Read on for the complete list of winners and nominees.—
Yamillah Hurtado,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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His plans are complete, and permits are moving forward.—
Sarah Alegre,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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