hold·back
ˈhōl(d)-ˌbak 
1
: something that retains or restrains
2
a
: the act of holding back
b
: something held back
held back; holding back; holds back
1
a
: to hinder the progress or achievement of : restrain
b
: to keep from advancing to the next stage, grade, or level
2
: to refrain from revealing or parting with
held back important information
1
: to keep oneself in check
2
: to refrain from revealing or parting with something
Examples of holdback in a Sentence
Noun
there'll be a holdback on production until the new machinery is fully installed
the only holdback to starting the new job is my contractual commitment to my current position
Verb
the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation
held back her tears until she was alone
Recent Examples on the Web
Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The governor’s office Tuesday did not address the likelihood of holdbacks in the coming months.
—Ryan Suppe, Idaho Statesman, 18 June 2025
Cameron Crowe, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Following the loss, Redick did not hold back from criticizing his team for their third quarter performance.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
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Noun
He would then be allowed to use the materials after a holdback period—either 12 months following the release of the documentary or two years from the agreement’s signing, whichever comes first.
—Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The governor’s office Tuesday did not address the likelihood of holdbacks in the coming months.
—Ryan Suppe, Idaho Statesman, 18 June 2025
Verb
Everybody behind the camera could barely hold back the guffaws.
—Cameron Crowe, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2025
Following the loss, Redick did not hold back from criticizing his team for their third quarter performance.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holdback. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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