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
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
And there could have been some holdback.
—Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
Too often, entrepreneurs hold back until every detail seems perfect, but waiting can mean being erased.
—Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
However, the main holdback of the team making this kind of pick is one of their other needs directly relates to how good of a pick Boise State product could be.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
And there could have been some holdback.
—Sharyl Attkisson, Baltimore Sun, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
The Atlético manager was seen being held back by stewards as supporters laughed and made offensive hand gestures towards him.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
Too often, entrepreneurs hold back until every detail seems perfect, but waiting can mean being erased.
—Essence, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
Outdated or missing beneficiary designations are common and can lead to delays, unintended distributions or even disputes among heirs.—
Larry Light,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Reuters — The United Nations Security Council did not adopt a draft resolution on Friday to permanently lift sanctions on Iran, but Tehran and key European powers still have eight days to try and agree to a delay.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This means that fuel cells can, theoretically, operate without the infrastructure problems of electric or hydrogen vehicles, but the real obstacle is achieving sheer power in a light, compact engine that is compliant with existing regulations.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
15 Sep. 2025
-
This enables the robot to figure out its precise navigation and obstacle avoidance coordinates, with an accuracy down to 2 centimeters.—
Ni Tao,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
However, the two-time WNBA MVP looked hampered by the injury, scoring just six points in 20 minutes on the court.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This cycle of reactionary leadership not only stifles innovation but also erodes trust and morale within organizations.—
Glenn Llopis,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
Vrabel, as previously mentioned, has stifled Tagovailoa in the past.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The policy marks a shift toward stricter in-person vetting and security checks, but also comes amid skyrocketing wait times for visa interviews in several countries.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
-
For children with sepsis, a potentially lethal reaction by the body to infection that causes 20% of deaths worldwide, the wait can prove deadly.—
Brian Simpson,
NPR,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
For a franchise placing its future on the development of young players, the timing of the injuries is a hurdle.—
Grant Afseth,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
As a result, same-sex couples continue to face other challenges in other aspects of daily life, from visiting their partner at hospitals to raising children, hurdles that families in many other global financial capitals that look to attract top talent no longer face.—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was issued a red card in the 38th minute for impeding Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha in the box.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The university has also cracked down on chalking on campus sidewalks, which critics say impedes the free speech rights of students.—
Chris Quintana,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The upconversion process also suppressed noise, which made the setup effective even under very dim light.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Critics of the visas, including many American technology workers, argue companies use H-1B visa workers to suppress wages and pass over Americans for jobs.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share