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
-
Researchers at the John Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) teamed up with their counterparts at John Hopkins University to develop a comprehensive framework to model quantum noise for superconducting quantum processors.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
9 June 2026
-
Rocket Money is a comprehensive personal finance app that aims to provide a 360-degree view of your financial health.—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Adjective
-
Detectives with the Arlington Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit conducted a thorough investigation, according to police, and obtained a warrant for Reyna’s arrest.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 June 2026
-
Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
Adjective
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Janet agreed to pay over $8,600 in restitution and complete 150 hours of community service.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
14 June 2026
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But the call of the stage was so strong that Abdul-Mateen II made a complete career change in his late 20s.—
Carita Rizzo,
Deadline,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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