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
Examples Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of holdback
Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023
There is a six-month holdback for the launch of the English-language versions in France.
—Martin Dale, Variety, 11 Jan. 2023
Noah Feldman, The Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2024
His leadership was, nevertheless, also scrutinized during a high-inflation environment for holding back on moving rates.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holdback 
Noun
The manufacturer pays the holdback price to the dealership once the dealer sells the vehicle.
—Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 3 Feb. 2023
There is a six-month holdback for the launch of the English-language versions in France.
—Martin Dale, Variety, 11 Jan. 2023
Verb
That was the conclusion of the Supreme Court in a 1975 case, Train v. City of New York, in which the Nixon administration tried to hold back money allocated to the states under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.
—Noah Feldman, The Mercury News, 10 Dec. 2024
His leadership was, nevertheless, also scrutinized during a high-inflation environment for holding back on moving rates.
—Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
And that means more time, which might make the delay to millions of upgrades more palatable.Zak Doffman, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
-
Travel disruptions, such as severe weather, flight delays or cancellations, lost luggage or rental car issues, also contribute to the rising spending costs.Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Here are steps that can help ensure a smooth integration process, addressing potential obstacles and strategies to overcome them: 1.Brian Moroney, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024
-
But Republicans would have undone more had there been fewer procedural obstacles.David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
For years, Kazakhstan has worked with Jewish groups to repeal Cold War-era legislation hampering trade with the United States.Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024
-
Shacks and buildings were left completely destroyed when the cyclone struck the nation hampered by poverty.Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Bureaucracy has also stifled innovation even when its military utility is obvious.Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024
-
Leaders who avoid conflict breed mediocrity and stifle innovation and creativity.Expert Panel®, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The initial location will be equipped with drive-thru lanes, kiosks and back-of-house tech that will employ real-world data to reduce wait times and keep food stocked and fresh.Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024
-
Some longtime residents grew irritated by the strain on city services, such as wait times for public health services, a housing shortage and rising rents.Maria Ramirez Uribe and Amy Sherman, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
There are no logistical barriers, there are no hurdles.Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024
-
That’s a hurdle the PFL isn’t likely to push in Verhoeven’s path.Brian Mazique, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Sauer had argued that the continuation of the case, which is currently on appeal, will impede the Republican from carrying out his presidential duties.Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024
-
Old equipment and years of mergers and acquisitions are likely impeding the ability of telecommunications providers to toss Beijing out of their networks.Sam Sabin, Axios, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Harry is doing his best to keep Dexter from killing people, though Dex acknowledges that slicing into cadavers and taking hunting trips aren’t really cutting it in terms of suppressing his urges.Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Dec. 2024
-
His beautiful, distant mother, played by the French-Argentinean actress Bérénice Bejo, treats these outbursts as insurrections to be suppressed.Alexandra Schwartz, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near holdback
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share