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 conversation turned especially poignant when Dern discussed the practical realities facing older performers, noting that the Screen Actors Guild provides no comprehensive health care plan for retired actors.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Our study shows that comprehensive policy changes can meaningfully protect vaccination coverage.—
Anthony Bald,
The Conversation,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Before any surgery, patients undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure readiness, both physically and emotionally.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police are conducting a thorough investigation with the assistance of multiple law enforcement partners.—
Greg Norman,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Yamamoto is also the first pitcher since Curt Schilling to throw consecutive complete games in a postseason.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
26 Oct. 2025
-
But perhaps one of the most complete.—
Patrick Iversen,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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