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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Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
17 June 2026
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But for users who want a more comprehensive view of their finances — including investments and long-term goals — Monarch Money offers a compelling feature set that helps justify its cost.—
Nick Perry,
USA Today,
16 June 2026
Adjective
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Give geraniums in garden soil a thorough, slow watering with a watering can or a rain wand on a hose.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
21 June 2026
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Experts warn that patients should still have in-depth talks with their doctors about whether testosterone therapy could be helpful for them, and doctors should complete thorough evaluations.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
Adjective
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There’s a fitness center for action, a spa for pampering, and for families or groups wanting complete privacy, the exclusive-use Monwana Residence has its own chef, butler, private safari vehicle and guide team.—
Sarah Kingdom,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2026
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The county, which released the case files, said the documents do not present the complete picture of what happened.—
Julia Prodis Sulek,
Mercury News,
21 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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