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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Biss repeated pillars of the comprehensive plan: to allow for more housing in Evanston, to create more housing in Evanston and to implement sustainable practices in Evanston in alignment with the city’s Healthy Business Ordinance.—
Richard Requena,
Chicago Tribune,
17 May 2025
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The male and female butlers go through a comprehensive 108-point training program.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Judge Ashford did a thorough march through the standard regulatory factors.—
Peter J Reilly,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
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Evans' interviews famously evolve from surface-level conversation starters to in-depth, deep dives into the lives of the talent in the hot seat, which often impresses — and, at times, shocks — them that his background research is so thorough.—
Skyler Caruso,
People.com,
17 May 2025
Adjective
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Walt Disney World is gearing up for a fantastic summer, complete with a new nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom, two new shows debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and a slew of new activities for guests at select resorts.—
Megan duBois,
Southern Living,
12 May 2025
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By the time markets closed on Monday, the rebound was complete, with traders actually up from January thanks to the biggest day of gains since tariffs tanked confidence.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
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