1
as in turning back
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Dissimilar Words
2
as in putting off
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding off
Verb
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But French Fiction is turning back after running a one-and-one-sixteenth-mile race at the Ashland.—
Geoff Clark OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026 -
Chubb said the majority of investors will keep turning back to what has been the driver of the bull run since late 2022.—
Davis Giangiulio,
CNBC,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Commissioner Jessica Vasquez requested the AI proposal be deferred, likely putting off consideration for at least one month.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
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Damon Wayans’ Message to Other Diabetes Patients Wayans wants people who suspect something is off to stop putting off the appointment.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
Verb
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After losing a child far too young, a parent might be forgiven for turning away from the world, shrinking in their grief.—
James Rainey,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
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If successful, more inmates will pursue a path of recovery and become productive citizens, turning away from a life of crime.—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Honduras established diplomatic ties with China in 2023 after breaking off relations with Taiwan.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
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Filed by First Nations groups in Alberta, the lawsuit argues that the province breaking off from Canada would violate treaty rights.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
5 May 2026
Verb
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Gadd wrote the first episode back in 2019, shelving the tale of two brothers with a dysfunctional bond for four years.—
Savannah Walsh,
Vanity Fair,
14 May 2026
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Zeitz steered Harley back toward its traditional cruiser market, particularly at the premium end, shelving many of the company’s more unconventional ambitions.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Consider postponing boating activities on the lake until a day with less wind.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
15 May 2026
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Two additional rezoning requests covering roughly 80 acres have been repeatedly tabled, with the council postponing decisions again in March while awaiting a staff briefing on data center infrastructure and policy.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 May 2026
Verb
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These cold-hardy crops are the backbone of an early spring garden, capable of withstanding light frosts and continuing to produce as temperatures slowly warm.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2026
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Another bonus is that the panels are also more elastic than a wooden frame, making the houses better capable of withstanding earthquakes.—
Vanessa Romo,
NPR,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But developing what is in place and deferring the pick to another draft could set up a better future.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
13 May 2026
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During the operation, doctors said families were canceling appointments and deferring critical healthcare because of the fear of immigration enforcement.—
Beret Leone,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Holding off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20off. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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