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
Martin Dale, Variety, 11 Jan. 2023
The manufacturer pays the holdback price to the dealership once the dealer sells the vehicle.
—Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023
Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2025
Fallon asked what fans can expect from the show, and Halsey didn’t hold back.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
France Télévisions also has first-window exclusivity for the French-language version, with a one-year holdback.
—Martin Dale, Variety, 11 Jan. 2023
The manufacturer pays the holdback price to the dealership once the dealer sells the vehicle.
—Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023
Verb
Don’t hold back on playing a villain or worry about people liking you.
—Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 16 Feb. 2025
Fallon asked what fans can expect from the show, and Halsey didn’t hold back.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
On Monday, the airport saw nearly 400 cancellations and 375 delays.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
-
William Byron won the Daytona 500, which was a marathon on Sunday night, after rain delays and yellow caution flags ultimately led to some overtime laps.—
Scott Thompson,
Fox News,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The district is committed to removing obstacles in students’ paths, CPS Chief Education Officer Bogdana Chkoumbova said in the news release.—
Ikram Mohamed,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Build out a timeline, address potential obstacles and decide who owns each task.—
Ricky Muddimer,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Limiting the federal funding would hamper Medicaid's ability to help states during difficult economic times, when demand for coverage rises with falling employment and incomes, while states also have fewer tax dollars to spend.—
Phil Galewitz,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Camara is stifling opponents at an All-Defense level.—
Fred Katz,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
-
Whether painting a mural, crafting a business idea, or studying environmental sustainability, students are encouraged to explore their interests in ways that traditional schooling often stifles.—
Hilary Tetenbaum,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Fortunately, her owner gave birth just a week ago, and the wait was over.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
22 Feb. 2025
-
For patient fans of the singer-actor (as well as the less-than-patient ones clamoring for new music in the comments section of her Instagram), the wait is finally over.—
Joe Lynch,
Billboard,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Their restaurant group, Strategic Hospitality, helps manage those practical hurdles and provides access to resources from accounting to HR.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
The Tennessean,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Financing the film was an early hurdle for Molayemi and Sohani.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Along with carrying out mass deportations, his second administration has vowed to prosecute anyone who impedes their immigration enforcement operations.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
-
The practice is now impeded by ever more protective drone squadrons of P.R. people, although Prince Andrew’s ruinous television interview is a prime example—the disingenuous reporter meets the insufficiently self-aware subject, and blood is spilled.—
Adam Gopnik,
The New Yorker,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
But the desire to fit in with the group or to avoid conflict can often cause individuals to suppress or hide their authentic self.—
Tyler Shepherd,
USA TODAY,
21 Feb. 2025
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Experts say many of Trump's supporters see the dozens of felony convictions against the president in a separate case in New York as part of an establishment ploy to suppress their discontent.—
Alana Wise,
NPR,
20 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.
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