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 hotel has partnered with San Antonio’s new Hospitality Academy to give comprehensive training to nearly all employees.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
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As more small businesses transition online and omnichannel selling becomes more prevalent, Shopify’s expanding ecosystem of payments, point-of-sale integrations, marketing tools, and applications positions it as a comprehensive commerce platform.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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This filtration system ensures that your floors are getting their most thorough clean, while also ridding your space of irritants like dust that can cause allergy flare-ups.—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
3 Sep. 2025
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Most importantly, investors should conduct thorough research and seek diverse perspectives before making decisions.—
Vilius Kavaliauskas,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Slickers County Ice Cream No trip to Prince Edward County is complete without a stop at this beloved small-batch ice cream shop.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
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At that point, a new Border War chapter was all but complete, and this one came with huge moments, plot twists, momentum swings, the works.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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