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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The city plans to roll out a comprehensive outreach campaign so residents are aware of the registration process and can learn more about converting their properties into pollinator gardens.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026
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Desmond Lamb is the executive director of Friends of Yates, a comprehensive community agency in Wyandotte County that operates a domestic violence shelter.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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In this regard, recommendations of top Wall Street analysts can help investors make the right choice, as these experts assign buy ratings after a thorough analysis of a company's fundamentals and its ability to consistently pay dividends.—
,
CNBC,
15 Feb. 2026
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Luminate, the independent data provider to the Billboard charts, completes a thorough review of all data submissions used in compiling the weekly chart rankings.—
Keith Caulfield,
Billboard,
15 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The couple—who got engaged last summer—stepped out for the 2026 Berlinale Film Festival last night; this time, looking equally loved up but embracing complete polar-opposite fashions.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
15 Feb. 2026
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For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
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