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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What makes Wiz particularly compelling is its ability to integrate with more than 150 tools across the modern cloud stack, enabling organizations to build a comprehensive and dynamic security posture.—
Chris McHenry,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Detecting and analyzing these oddities can help Bédard, Sahu, and other researchers gain a more comprehensive understanding of the ultimate fate of many binary star systems.—
Andrew Paul Aug 6,
Popular Science,
6 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Incorporating thorough quality assurance processes tailored to address AI-specific security vulnerabilities is essential.—
Rob Green,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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This permit allows for up to 800 megawatts electric (MWe) of nuclear power and followed a thorough environmental and safety review that remains valid through 2039.—
Daniel Stout,
IEEE Spectrum,
5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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In a separate report, The Information said regulators in China have ordered major tech companies, including ByteDance, Alibaba, and Tencent, to suspend Nvidia chip purchases until a national security review is complete.—
Celia Fernandez,
CNBC,
16 Aug. 2025
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The new early-stage studies for NASA should be complete by mid-September.—
Elizabeth Howell,
Space.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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