as in to postpone
to assign to a later time
we held off on accepting the invitation in the hopes that something better would come along
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold off (on)
Verb
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Airlines canceled flights and cultural events were postponed as Cuba endures its worst fuel shortage in years, harming tourism and the broader economy.—
Andrea Rodriguez,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026 -
Plano postponed its vote on a vendor Monday when negotiations with DART started looking up.—
Lilly Kersh,
Dallas Morning News,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Silver firmly stated that the investigation and its findings were not purposely delayed while the Clippers host this All-Star weekend.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
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Officials from those agencies warned lawmakers that the lapse in funding will leave thousands of personnel working without pay, disrupt disaster reimbursements, delay cyber protections and more.—
Justin Gomez,
ABC News,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The selection of an acting clerk and a resolution to update the city’s bank signatories were deferred until an acting mayor is selected.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
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The Patriots won the coin toss and elected to defer.—
Doug Kyed,
Hartford Courant,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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When the rudder is put over, the stern swings out first, so that if the vessel is in restricted waters, trying to avoid something ahead can result in hitting something behind.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
5 Jan. 2026
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The nonprofit that has been helping them is trying to find a roof to put over their heads.—
Michele Gile,
CBS News,
17 Dec. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Hold off (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20off%20%28on%29. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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