1
as in to postpone
to assign to a later time
held up mail delivery until we had a permanent address
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stop
to bring (something) to a standstill
traffic was held up for miles by the accident
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to hamper
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
if lack of transportation is the only thing holding you up, I can give you a ride
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to survive
to continue to operate or to meet one's needs
the air conditioner held up this year, but it's not going to make it through another summer
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to remain
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
the storm's hurricane-force winds did not hold up once it hit the coast
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to fly
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
an argument that won't hold up in court
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in delay
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
a holdup in construction due to the weather
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hold up
NBC News, 30 Jan. 2025
Chanting union slogans and holding up protest signs in the windy, low-30s weather, workers vowed to remember the day when new contract negotiations begin in May.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Jan. 2025
Peter Sullivan, Axios, 14 Dec. 2024
The Virginia rep confirmed that the album is complete and ready to be released, with the only holdup being the delay of a guest verse to appear on the album from an unnamed artist.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hold up 
Verb
Others held up signs bearing the names and faces of hostages who remain held in Hamas' captivity.
—NBC News, 30 Jan. 2025
Chanting union slogans and holding up protest signs in the windy, low-30s weather, workers vowed to remember the day when new contract negotiations begin in May.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
The last holdup to a major year-end health care package is a dispute over the details of a provision to streamline the prior authorization process in Medicare Advantage, sources say.
—Peter Sullivan, Axios, 14 Dec. 2024
The Virginia rep confirmed that the album is complete and ready to be released, with the only holdup being the delay of a guest verse to appear on the album from an unnamed artist.
—Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hold up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold up
Verb
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While the 25 percent levy on imports from Mexico and Canada are postponed for 30 days, the 10 percent tariff on certain goods from China went into effect Tuesday morning.—
Vicki M. Young,
Sourcing Journal,
4 Feb. 2025
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Use extra caution and consider postponing travel until winds subside, or take an alternate route.—
Rachel Dobkin,
Newsweek,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The hospital, a major provider of gender-affirming care, took action days after President Trump issued an executive order aiming to stop the use of puberty blockers, hormones and other gender-affirming care for youth.—
Emily Alpert Reyes,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Feb. 2025
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At least 10 killed in worst mass shooting in Sweden's history 01:33 BREAKFAST BROWSE Michael Jordan’s son arrested on drug charge The 34-year-old son of NBA great Michael Jordan was arrested Tuesday in Florida after police officers found his vehicle stopped on railroad tracks.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Both homebuyers and current homeowners are hampered by today’s higher interest rates.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2025
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During major emergencies that communication can be hampered by issues such as limited radio connectivity, wind noise or other technical problems.—
Christopher L. Keller,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Only her own plantation has survived Sherman’s assault.—
Scott Spillman,
The New Yorker,
29 Jan. 2025
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Sanders’ story of his Toyota Tacoma surviving the Eaton Fire went viral on social media.—
David Caraccio,
Sacramento Bee,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Kiké Hernández, the longtime Dodgers fan favorite who reprised his utility role last season and succinctly and memorably summarized the title-winning team’s fortitude, remains a free agent.—
Fabian Ardaya,
The Athletic,
2 Feb. 2025
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The exact structure of his deal with Melania remains unclear, but his deals with Trump’s previous wives offer some clues.—
Dan Alexander,
Forbes,
1 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The senator added that, despite the complexity of flying around Washington, DC, this seems to have started as a routine situation.—
Pete Muntean,
CNN,
1 Feb. 2025
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Casey Crafton, a father and volunteer youth sports coach, was among those killed in Wednesday night’s plane crash while flying back from Wichita to Washington D.C. on American Airlines flight 5342.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
1 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Across the economy, such delays could mean a softer job market and more slowly growing economy.—
Paul Davidson,
USA TODAY,
6 Feb. 2025
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Trump has threatened to slap tariffs on imports from the U.K. and European Union, but his delay of duties on Canada and Mexico has suggested other countries may be able to negotiate their way out of the fight.—
Jenni Reid,
CNBC,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The total amount that could be deferred on a homestead is $10,000, according to the bill, which is also authored by committee chairman Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, and Sen. Brian Buchanan, R-Lebanon.—
Alexandra Kukulka,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Jan. 2025
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Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Friday on Twitter/X that Scott's contract calls for nearly half ($5.25 million) of his $11 million salary each of the next two seasons to be deferred.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
25 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near hold up
Cite this Entry
“Hold up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20up. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
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