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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of holdback
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 1 May 2025
And there is no more holdback suspense doubt.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2025
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026
Because some aircraft must always be held back for these roles, the number available for combat campaigns is smaller than headline fleet totals suggest.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
The all-cash deal includes $75 million in holdbacks tied to certain performance targets and milestones over the next two years.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 1 May 2025
And there is no more holdback suspense doubt.
—Big Think, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
Diabate got fired up for a second time moments later, storming toward Duren again while being held back by Hornets’ team security members.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 10 Feb. 2026
Because some aircraft must always be held back for these roles, the number available for combat campaigns is smaller than headline fleet totals suggest.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
Ashley Williams, executive director of Just Transition Northwest Indiana, responded to the delay in a Thursday email.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Some say long delays are affecting emergency response.—
WGME-TV Staff,
Baltimore Sun,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The deadly mass shooting at a school in British Columbia came as Canadian authorities face significant obstacles in rolling out a nationwide firearms buyback that is mired in practical and logistical complications.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Over the next 10 years, the Goo Goo Dolls would follow a trajectory of seemingly insurmountable obstacles and increasingly unlikely triumphs that more closely resembles a fictional underdog team from a Disney movie than a rock band.—
Sam Sodomsky,
Pitchfork,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Democratic lawmakers condemn Maxwell’s plea Democrats in the House Oversight Committee denounced Maxwell’s request for a presidential pardon and suggested that Trump’s refusal to rule out such a possibility has hampered the committee’s inquiry.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
10 Feb. 2026
-
As has been the case many a time during the season, giveaways hampered Golden State for much of the night.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
That influx of Chinese imports could be making its way to American shores—and, in the process, stifling the growth of local industry in the African markets.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Without these oversight measures, the public’s ability to give its input was stifled, the lawsuit alleges.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Wiles, who was racing just four spots behind Vonn, was forced to endure the wait atop the mountain then race just minutes after a helicopter carried her teammate away.—
Becky Sullivan,
NPR,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Officials said 311 wait times were also cut in half to help New Yorkers who didn't have a warm place to stay.—
Christina Fan,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Stier / Getty Images Earlier today in the men’s figure skating final, fellow American Maxim Naumov had to skate through a different kind of mental hurdle.—
The Sports Desk,
NBC news,
14 Feb. 2026
-
In 2026, residents of Mathews, Mint Hill and Pineville face several specific barriers to health care access ranging from escalating costs to significant geographic and logistical hurdles.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Dozens of felony cases against protesters accused of assaulting or impeding federal officers have also crumbled.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Along with this comes a lack of awareness about eating disorders, stigma and unhealthy attitudes and assumptions toward mental health from coaches and other athletic personnel, all of which can impede an athlete’s likelihood of seeking care.—
Emily Hemendinger,
The Conversation,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Nevertheless, the free spirit of Americans cannot be suppressed.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The royal government was also known as a dictatorship for banning political parties, suppressing revolts and political opposition, controlling the press and having its own secret police force called SAVAK.—
Nollyanne Delacruz,
Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 17 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
