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
-
That could lead to more errors and longer processing delays for borrowers applying for student loan forgiveness under PSLF and other programs.Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
-
White and wet Christmas conditions have led to delays for holiday travelers returning home on Thursday as rain and mountain snow batter the Pacific Northwest and strong thunderstorms rumble in the South.Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 26 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
-
Another political obstacle: The fossil-fuel industry has turned natural gas into a culture-war issue by bombarding Americans with the message that woke liberals are coming to take away their gas stoves and gas drilling jobs.Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 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
-
The biggest hurdle to finding a job for people with autism is convincing employers to hire them, said Margaret Newman Thornton, COO of Opportunity Community Ability.Michael Cuglietta, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Dec. 2024
-
With that major hurdle cleared, there was one last problem.Meagan Flynn, Baltimore Sun, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Under a contingency plan the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs put out in January, veterans' access to healthcare, other benefits and even memorial services won't be impeded.Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024
-
Kim Kardashian Videos In India Go Viral Before Anant Ambani Wedding By Alex Gonzalez Contributing Entertainment Writer 1 Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors Kim Kardashian is everywhere this holiday season, and nothing can impede her socialite status.Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 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 31 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share