hold off
verb
held off; holding off; holds off
1
: to block from an objective : delay
2
: to defer action on : postpone
hold off a decision
3
: to fight to a standoff : withstand
: to defer or temporarily stop doing something
Examples of hold off in a Sentence
we held off on accepting the invitation in the hopes that something better would come along
Recent Examples on the Web
The decision Monday came in line with economists’ expectations that Chinese authorities would hold off major stimulus measures amid a recent stock market rally, even as a string of economic data underscored signs of fatigue in the economy.
—
Anniek Bao, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2025
The 5-foot-10 sophomore exploded for five touchdowns – four rushing and one receiving — to go with 171 rushing yards and 84 receiving yards as Boise State (2-1, 1-0) held off Air Force (1-2, 0-2) in the Broncos’ Mountain West opener.
—Idaho Statesman, 21 Sep. 2025
Russell did catch Sainz, but the Spaniard managed to hold off Antonelli.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Now that the news is out, Cardi B is opening up about her decision to hold off on the baby announcement.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold off
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Anniek Bao, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2025
The 5-foot-10 sophomore exploded for five touchdowns – four rushing and one receiving — to go with 171 rushing yards and 84 receiving yards as Boise State (2-1, 1-0) held off Air Force (1-2, 0-2) in the Broncos’ Mountain West opener.
—Idaho Statesman, 21 Sep. 2025
Russell did catch Sainz, but the Spaniard managed to hold off Antonelli.
—Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Now that the news is out, Cardi B is opening up about her decision to hold off on the baby announcement.
—Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hold off
Cite this Entry
“Hold off.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%20off. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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