: free of restrictions or hampering conventions
a no-holds-barred contest

Examples of no-holds-barred in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
David Fincher's 1999 big screen adaptation of author Chuck Palahniuk's 1996 novel opened in U.S. theaters 25 years ago today, wowing audiences with its distinctive style and no-holds-barred — if frequently misunderstood — examination of modern masculinity. John Russell, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024 But the seething energy shared between the various women in the film reaches operatic fever pitch, Close going no-holds-barred with Day and a combative Mo’Nique as a semi-sympathetic social worker. Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2024 The no-holds-barred, no gloves, everything-goes fighting had been happening in Brazil for many years. Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1961, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of no-holds-barred was in 1961

Dictionary Entries Near no-holds-barred

Cite this Entry

“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/no-holds-barred. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

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