hold off

Definition of hold offnext

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 hold off The combination of weak hiring and increasing inflationary pressures arising from the war creates a nightmare for the Federal Reserve, which must decide whether to cut interest rates to help the job market or hold off to help keep a lid on prices. Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026 Bradley scored 19 of her 23 points in the second half to help the Vikings hold off Savanna’s duo of guards Camaila Carigma (25 points) and Dyanna Cruz (18 points). Dan Albano, Oc Register, 6 Mar. 2026 Oz, the administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said in a news conference on Wednesday that the federal government would hold off on paying $259 million in Medicaid funding to Minnesota. CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026 That could pressure the Federal Reserve to hold off longer on its cuts to interest rates. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hold off
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold off
Verb
  • Designed by Pete and Alice Dye to resist one-note dominance, Sawgrass still works like an equal-opportunity interrogator.
    Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
  • One wonders to what extent a statement like that made by one of the most senior politicians in Washington might serve to strengthen Iran’s determination to resist, and how many additional lives will be lost as a result.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But Radcliffe wasn’t so easily put off.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Americans are also making other sacrifices, such as delaying a job change, putting off buying a new home or postponing growing their family.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The community has been divided over whether or not to turn back on the cameras.
    Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Zelenskyy was asked to return the statue once his country had turned back the ongoing Russian invasion.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In response to Deaton’s comments, Democrats agreed to table the effort until the budget reached the full House.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2026
  • If a conversation is going south, table it until next week.
    Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • An American Legion hall that has withstood many a coastal storm mysteriously collapsed as a volatile cold front crossed North Carolina, and the National Weather Service is trying to pinpoint a cause.
    Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Fortune 500 companies are rebuilding their capacity to withstand disruption and are charting a path toward a new era of industrialization powered by technological ingenuity.
    Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • State officials compared the project to Boise’s Flying Wye, where the I-184 Connector breaks off from I-84 west of downtown Boise.
    Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Furthermore, the team’s study offered the first visual proof of the YORP effect, where sunlight makes asteroids spin faster until chunks of material break off, sometimes forming moons.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Opponents say that provision could potentially scare workers into turning away valid applicants while also discouraging people from working or volunteering at polling locations.
    Mary Clare Jalonick, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026
  • Precinct-only system turned away hundreds of voters March 3.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 17 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Burroughs said implementing an administrative stay and deferring ruling on the postponement gives both sides time to file briefs on the emergency motion.
    Ubah Ali, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The actress quickly deferred that question to Villeneuve.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hold off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20off. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

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