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
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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
Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2025
Riley's mother thanked Trump while holding back tears.
—Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 30 Jan. 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
Growth was stronger in the July-September quarter, at 3.1%, but the fourth-quarter expansion was held back by a sharp reduction in business inventories, which should reverse in coming quarters.
—Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2025
Riley's mother thanked Trump while holding back tears.
—Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 30 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
-
Across the economy, such delays could mean a softer job market and more slowly growing economy.—
Paul Davidson,
USA TODAY,
6 Feb. 2025
-
However, there have been delays following the collapse of Assad’s regime in December.—
Raquel Carvalho,
TIME,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
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As businesses adapted to new ways of working, obstacles were removed for employees who had previously found their options limited.—
Gene Myers,
USA TODAY,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Poor planning can jeopardize access to space, materials, and equipment, leading to obstacles that drain time and money.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Getting the longest of those delays can hamper any chance of beating Tyson in the first round.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
9 Feb. 2025
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Experts in workplace safety have warned that could inhibit them from speaking up about health threats on the job, hampering efforts to stop hazards and illnesses.—
Emily Alpert Reyes,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
In the 81st minute, Chelsea picked their way through Brighton’s stifling high press.—
Liam Twomey,
The Athletic,
9 Feb. 2025
-
Critics argue this is used to stifle criticism of Israeli policies.—
The Editors of ARTnews,
ARTnews.com,
6 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In the coming months, Niccol plans to slash 30% of Starbucks’ menu to simplify its offerings, reduce wait times and improve customer experience.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN,
9 Feb. 2025
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There’s hope for, within the next two years, a test that will reduce the wait time to three to four hours.—
Jim Robbin,
Twin Cities,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In a climate where immigrants in the United States continue to face extraordinary hurdles, Tonos believes the struggle can still yield high rewards.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
6 Feb. 2025
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The project has faced early hurdles: Elon Musk openly split with Trump on the day of its announcement, questioning whether its backers had enough money to fund the project.—
David Jeans,
Forbes,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Steps designed to impede access are clearly not in the public interest.—
Mandy Taheri,
Newsweek,
1 Feb. 2025
-
But Scott’s experience did not impede the ambitions of future Black TV hosts.—
Anita M. Samuels,
New York Daily News,
1 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
We’ve been conditioned to lead like men, to suppress our intuition, our empathy, and our softness.—
Dr. Brittany Chambers,
Forbes,
7 Feb. 2025
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Officials also say that Fashion Nova has agreed to a settlement order that would prohibit it from suppressing customer reviews.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA TODAY,
6 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near holdback
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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