hold·back
ˈhōl(d)-ˌbak 
1
: something that retains or restrains
2
a
: the act of holding back
b
: something held back
held back; holding back; holds back
1
a
: to hinder the progress or achievement of : restrain
b
: to keep from advancing to the next stage, grade, or level
2
: to refrain from revealing or parting with
held back important information
1
: to keep oneself in check
2
: to refrain from revealing or parting with something
Synonyms
Examples of holdback in a Sentence
Noun
there'll be a holdback on production until the new machinery is fully installed
the only holdback to starting the new job is my contractual commitment to my current position
Verb
the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation
held back her tears until she was alone
Recent Examples on the Web
Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024
The best rooms look as though they've been decorated over time, like this one featuring a collection of distressed wood dressers, a metal bed frame, and antique drapery holdbacks.
—Andrea Crowley, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023
Nick Crain, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
In another image, taken after the fight broke out, two young men appear to hold back a third one, who is facing the camera, staring blankly ahead.
—Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holdback 
Noun
The other half of the moneys would be released to the clients' captives within 180 days, less some holdback that would last until the reinsurance policy expired (usually at the end of the year), plus some additional days tacked on for the extended reporting period.
—Jay Adkisson, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2024
The best rooms look as though they've been decorated over time, like this one featuring a collection of distressed wood dressers, a metal bed frame, and antique drapery holdbacks.
—Andrea Crowley, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023
Verb
But again, the slow offensive start hasn’t held back the Thunder in the slightest.
—Nick Crain, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
In another image, taken after the fight broke out, two young men appear to hold back a third one, who is facing the camera, staring blankly ahead.
—Naomi Fry, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holdback
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'holdback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near holdback
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/holdback. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share