1
as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
there'll be a holdback on production until the new machinery is fully installed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult
the only holdback to starting the new job is my contractual commitment to my current position
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to hamper
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
held back her tears until she was alone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of holdback
Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
However, the main holdback of the team making this kind of pick is one of their other needs directly relates to how good of a pick Boise State product could be.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 10 July 2025
In some cases, the Trump administration has successfully held back or canceled certain funds.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
And there could have been some holdback.
—Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
However, the main holdback of the team making this kind of pick is one of their other needs directly relates to how good of a pick Boise State product could be.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
Umbra has held back on raising prices on some of its items, but depending on product margin, has increased some prices up to 10%.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 10 July 2025
In some cases, the Trump administration has successfully held back or canceled certain funds.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
She's had months to do ANYTHING real and all she's done is delay and cover for elite p*dos.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
-
After several delays and the project going on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the mural got underway and now her dream has come true.—
Meredith G. White,
AZCentral.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
-
These shifts signal a recognition that regulation is not an obstacle to progress but a critical enabler of responsible, adaptive innovation - especially when physically embedded in place.—
Kath Mackay,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
Opposition within the medical field is also an obstacle.—
Megan Myscofski,
NPR,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 June 2025
-
Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
While luck will favor some and stifle others, here are a few tips on how join the first group: Be Loyal: Elite status with an airline can work wonders.—
Paula Conway,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
Leave behind New York’s stifling policies and discover a state where your ambition can soar.—
Mike Dunleavy,
New York Daily News,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Technological advancements in document processing and natural language processing enable travelers to receive accurate and budget-friendly assistance with passport applications and trip planning, while also reducing security wait times during both peak seasons.—
Geoff Whitmore,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
After long waits, many of their cases amounted to nothing and were dismissed, sending them home with no help.—
Vincent Schiraldi,
Baltimore Sun,
26 June 2025
Noun
-
Frequently the Swedes have been impressive in the early stages of tournaments only to fall at the final hurdle.—
Asif Burhan,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
-
One of the biggest hurdles was the architecture of the building.—
Meredith G. White,
AZCentral.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
Will this impede efforts to advance gender equality, especially in technology sectors?—
Lauren Buitta,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
But some of the worst economic effects will be felt by future generations, who, according to one Gen Zer interviewed by CNBC, are already concerned the deficit will impede their ability to collect social services.—
Leslie Picker,
CNBC,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
The building’s sprinkler system suppressed the flames before firefighters completed their operations, bringing the fire under control in under 30 minutes, officials said.—
Aurora Beacon-News,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
-
That same resolution created Palestine, which Israel has refused to recognize and has fought to suppress ever since.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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