hold off (on)

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

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold off (on)
Verb
  • Residents should consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, and follow the same precautionary steps, like, drinking plenty of water and taking breaks indoors or under shade.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • That includes Rosado’s tiebreaker vote in favor of postponing the upcoming November election to 2026 — a measure backed by the mayor — as well as Rosado’s vote to shutter the Bayfront Park Management Trust in January of next year.
    Tess Riski July 21, Miami Herald, 21 July 2025
Verb
  • South Park's season 27 premiere was delayed and ultimately moved from Comedy Central to Paramount+ amid parent company Paramount's pending merger with Skydance.
    Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 25 July 2025
  • This time, with a defender close to the Derby man, Trafford delayed coming out.
    Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Spring Hill's board has deferred a second reading on the measure to August so officials could gather more information.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 28 July 2025
  • Even as police do their job, cases are dropped, charges are delayed, and justice is deferred.
    Marc Molinaro, New York Daily News, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • The New Day put over American Made, talking up the Creed’s amateur wrestling accolades as Cole accused the New Day of not wanting to face the War Raiders.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
  • Together, these buyers put over $21 billion in the U.S. housing market last year.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
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.

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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 5 Aug. 2025.

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