no-holds-barred

adjective

Definition of no-holds-barrednext
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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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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-holds-barred
  1. comprehensive
  2. thorough
  3. complete
Adjective
  • China’s grain output reached a record 715 million tons in 2025, while national plans call for increasing comprehensive grain production capacity to about 725 million tons by 2030.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
  • In May, Raman announced a comprehensive Palisades recovery plan that touched on many of the demands fire survivors had been voicing for more than a year.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • But with an overhauled leadership regime that inherited Penix, the Falcons needed a thorough assessment of each quarterback before the season.
    — Jeff Howe, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Gutierrez said his office will conduct a thorough and independent investigation.
    — Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of thorough
Adjective
  • The hierarchy have applied a couple of touch-ups here and there, adding Germany full-back Nathaniel Brown and Ismael Saibari, who had an impressive World Cup up front for Morocco, but this is a near-complete team.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Lions controlled the game from start to finish, putting in one of their most complete performances of the season while keeping a dangerous San Diego side from threatening.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

no-goods
no-holds-barred
noise
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Cite this Entry

“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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