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
-
By The New York Times The overhaul was a far cry from the comprehensive review to evaluate aid programs and realign them with U.S. foreign policy that Mr. Trump promised on his first day in office.—
Amy Schoenfeld Walker,
New York Times,
22 June 2025
-
The 2015 deal, signed by Iran, U.S., and other world powers, created a long-term, comprehensive nuclear agreement that limited Tehran’s enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.—
Aamer Madhani,
Christian Science Monitor,
22 June 2025
Adjective
-
That improvement, and the thorough checks, persuaded ATLAS to use NSBI more broadly going forward.—
Matt von Hippel,
ArsTechnica,
23 June 2025
-
Most vegetable gardens need 1 to 2 inches of water weekly, best delivered in deep, thorough waterings a few times a week rather than daily sprinkles.—
Karen Grossman,
Southern Living,
23 June 2025
Adjective
-
Arden Way, from Watt to Morse avenues, has been undergoing a complete street rehabilitation since March, which will last to the end of 2025.—
Tina Li,
Sacbee.com,
29 June 2025
-
To maintain growth, the company expanded the platform into a complete business admin service while also taking a risk on expanding to the U.S.—
Trevor Clawson,
Forbes.com,
29 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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