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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stifle
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
held back her tears until she was alone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holdback
Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023
France Télévisions also has first-window exclusivity for the French-language version, with a one-year holdback.
—Martin Dale, Variety, 11 Jan. 2023
Rachel McRady, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
Cheating has also been a thorn in Warzone’s side for years now, with Activision’s Ricochet system barely holding back the flood of cheaters in the game.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Noun
That's because the manufacturer will typically designate a holdback price, or a percentage of the MSRP or invoice.
—Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023
France Télévisions also has first-window exclusivity for the French-language version, with a one-year holdback.
—Martin Dale, Variety, 11 Jan. 2023
Verb
Despite keeping their romance under wraps for the early part of their relationship, the couple didn’t hold back during their public outing.
—Rachel McRady, People.com, 10 Mar. 2025
Cheating has also been a thorn in Warzone’s side for years now, with Activision’s Ricochet system barely holding back the flood of cheaters in the game.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
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Many brands still use spreadsheets, emails and phone calls to manage some aspects of logistics, leading to inefficiencies and delays.—
Andre Claudio,
Sourcing Journal,
14 Mar. 2025
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The delay, prompted by an issue with the launchpad’s ground system, further hindered the return of the two NASA astronauts who in June flew to the space station aboard the troubled Starliner.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA TODAY,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Take Calculated Risks; Start Lean Entrepreneurs should welcome uncertainty as a catalyst, not an obstacle.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
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In Region 4 in Spokane, the biggest obstacle facing the No. 2 seed Huskies is No. 1 seed USC — which defeated UConn in Hartford in December.—
Scott Phillips,
The Athletic,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Over recent weeks, CISA employees, all speaking on the condition of anonymity, had told Forbes morale was low and concerns were high that important work was being hampered by the cuts.—
Thomas Brewster,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
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Both Iran and North Korea could then use Russian nuclear and missile technology to develop advanced weapons that would hamper the U.S. military’s response options in East Asia and the Middle East—and even threaten the American homeland.—
Christopher S. Chivvis,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Trump claimed that these aggressive laws threatened to stifle the growth or competitiveness of US firms.—
Ashley Belanger,
Ars Technica,
17 Mar. 2025
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With momentum clearly with the Blue Raiders out of the break, the stifling Panthers defense returned as the first quarter jitters ended.—
Brian Fabry,
Boston Herald,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Even Millie Bobby Brown, in a joke interview with her 2024 self, mentioned the long wait.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
18 Mar. 2025
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Ironically, after such a long wait for Android 15 Samsung Galaxy owners may not have that long to enjoy it — if the Android 15 delays are not repeated, of course.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Even those who successfully raise initial capital face formidable hurdles in securing follow-on funding, often under pressure to demonstrate rapid growth and immediate profitability—expectations fundamentally misaligned with the long-term nature of early-stage venture building.—
Joseph Edgar,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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The case will face significant hurdles, particularly because Gastineau and Favre are public figures whose interaction was recorded in front of a group of people.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Records showed that Worthy had been arrested Friday by deputies and held in the county jail on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded, or choking in common terms.—
Dave Skretta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Mar. 2025
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Kansas City Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy was arrested Friday and booked into a central Texas jail on suspicion of assault of a family member by impeding breathing/circulation, according to Williamson County, Texas jail records.—
Jesse Newell,
Kansas City Star,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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So could a weight loss medication that blocks opiate receptors along with suppressing appetite be effective?—
Andrea Muraskin,
NPR,
15 Mar. 2025
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Consider the scenario of deeper economic stagnation: a prolonged downturn could significantly delay the recovery of the housing sector, exacerbating affordability struggles, and suppressing new residential construction.—
Ali Hoss,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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