as in delays
an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business
a holdup in construction due to the weather
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Recent Examples of holdups
With holdups at home, investors are exploring buildouts abroad, including in the energy-rich Gulf states.
—
Jared Cohen, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
According to McKay, five of the holdups involved a man armed with what appeared to be a firearm.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
In her opinion, the holdups, delays and claim denials point to the city of Fort Worth trying to save money on treatment costs.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2026
The rollout of these drone delivery programs has been infrequent due to regulatory holdups regarding the safety of the technology, and the ability for drones to operate in poor weather conditions.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Jan. 2026
The good news is that all of these boarding holdups can be avoided.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
However, economic uncertainty has slowed the process for some companies, and regulatory holdups have played a bigger role than anticipated.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025
Speaking on the Senate floor, Thune called on colleagues from both parties to avoid procedural holdups and allow the House to act quickly.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Over time, detectives have focused on a robbery crew linked to a string of fast-food holdups that summer.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Jared Cohen, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
According to McKay, five of the holdups involved a man armed with what appeared to be a firearm.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
In her opinion, the holdups, delays and claim denials point to the city of Fort Worth trying to save money on treatment costs.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2026
The rollout of these drone delivery programs has been infrequent due to regulatory holdups regarding the safety of the technology, and the ability for drones to operate in poor weather conditions.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Jan. 2026
The good news is that all of these boarding holdups can be avoided.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
However, economic uncertainty has slowed the process for some companies, and regulatory holdups have played a bigger role than anticipated.
—Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025
Speaking on the Senate floor, Thune called on colleagues from both parties to avoid procedural holdups and allow the House to act quickly.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025
Over time, detectives have focused on a robbery crew linked to a string of fast-food holdups that summer.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdups
Noun
-
Caltrans advised drivers to use the prior exit to reach their destinations and avoid delays.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Police said to expect delays in the area and that all traffic eastbound is being detoured onto exit 40.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some restaurants, like l’Entrecôte de Paris, which is known for its steak frites (fries), only accept walk-ups and in-person waits.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
As more Transportation Security Administration agents called out from work, there was increasing frustration for air travelers confronted by long waits at some airport security lines.—
Kevin Freking,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holdups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdups. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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