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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
held back her tears until she was alone
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of holdback
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Mar. 2026
If the house is not sold after 180 days, the company retains what remains of the 30% holdback.
—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
Greg Dudek,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
Johnson, the local guide, looked down and held back a laugh when CNN read aloud the language of the opinion, which came down the day before Juneteenth.
—
Danny Freeman,
CNN Money,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
Add curtain holdbacks with playful animal details, or top your door hinges with decorative hinge caps for a knowing wink of whimsy.
—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Mar. 2026
If the house is not sold after 180 days, the company retains what remains of the 30% holdback.
—
Lew Sichelman,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
That time, Duran had to be held back by coaches after jawing with the fan.
—
Greg Dudek,
Hartford Courant,
28 June 2026
Johnson, the local guide, looked down and held back a laugh when CNN read aloud the language of the opinion, which came down the day before Juneteenth.
—
Danny Freeman,
CNN Money,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
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But the heat has led to cancellations and delays in several states.
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The city commission reached a major step forward on the project after months of delays and disagreements over the best way to replace the old City Hall, which was damaged beyond repair by the historic flooding of April 2023.
Noun
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But even Johnson is not immune to the bruising consequences of dealing with a president who critics say treats Congress as an obstacle, instead of an equal — frequently flexing his power through executive orders.
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Crews can drive directly into rivers or lakes without installing additional equipment, allowing the vehicle to continue moving even when water obstacles stand in the way.
Verb
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The decision severely hampered local planning for America’s 250th anniversary, disrupting history projects, museums and educational programs nationwide.
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Chwalińska took a medical timeout for the injury at the end of the game, and she was clearly hampered by it for the rest of the match.
Verb
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The governor has raised concerns that the tax would drive the state’s wealthiest residents out of California, doing long-term damage to the state’s tax base and stifling innovation.
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After feeling stifled in the corporate world, Gaudin said Inches has given him the freedom to embrace his creativity and show other LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs that ownership is possible.
Noun
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Having ended a 28-year wait to make it here, the duo have not suffered from stage fright.
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Prior authorization saves money for insurers partly by making patients pay a price in wait times and inconvenience, said Miranda Yaver, a University of Pittsburgh health policy researcher studying the technique.
Noun
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However, there are still some hurdles to surmount, particularly financing.
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Here’s how experts suggest overcoming these hurdles.
Verb
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The investigation also compliments previous claims that CCC’s regulations impede coastal infrastructure projects, which has drawn criticism from multiple political fronts over the last year.
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Supporters had campaigned for Merlin to be allowed into the Azteca to witness Mexico’s final group game — but the dabbler found his free passage impeded on Wednesday evening by FIFA regulations.
Verb
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Record-setting heat is suspected in 25 deaths from the Deep South to the Midwest to the East Coast, authorities said, with the temperature highs also suppressing some Fourth of July celebrations.
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When coated onto a polypropylene separator with graphene, the material formed a thin interfacial layer that readily absorbed electrolyte while suppressing polysulfide migration.
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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