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
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
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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Five Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service teams conducted comprehensive on-site assessments in Mexico this month to evaluate containment efforts.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
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For the first time, the public had access to a centralized, comprehensive online resource offering the latest research on sea level change, along with an interactive database that allowed users to explore how sea levels have changed over recent decades.—
Matthew Glasser,
ABC News,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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This requires clear expectations, thorough documentation, and measuring success by deliverables rather than desk time.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
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Godsey said the state budget is no place for changes like this, which need thorough review and vetting.—
Jessie Balmert,
The Enquirer,
3 July 2025
Adjective
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Arden Way, from Watt to Morse avenues, has been undergoing a complete street rehabilitation since March, which will last to the end of 2025.—
Tina Li,
Sacbee.com,
29 June 2025
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To maintain growth, the company expanded the platform into a complete business admin service while also taking a risk on expanding to the U.S.—
Trevor Clawson,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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