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
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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
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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
Examples Sentences
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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
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024
This is the kind of movie that gives and gives but holds back, too.
—Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 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
Our thinking was that if the Council’s commission presented the voters something reasonable and worthwhile, the mayor’s commission could hold back and let the Council’s commission put their ideas on the ballot for voter approval.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024
This is the kind of movie that gives and gives but holds back, too.
—Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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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
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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
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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
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The Seahawks’ comeback efforts were hampered late by the loss of starting quarterback Geno Smith.Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
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This creates a lack of physical and emotional space in the relationship that can be stifling for their partner.Mark Travers, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
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This shame promotes a culture where the potential for innovation is stifled, and opportunities for meaningful collaboration are missed.Jessica A. Stansbury, Baltimore Sun, 29 Dec. 2024
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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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
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With that major hurdle cleared, there was one last problem.Meagan Flynn, Baltimore Sun, 26 Dec. 2024
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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Officials say Chinese authorities can compel ByteDance to hand over information on TikTok's U.S. patrons or use the platform to spread or suppress information.HALELUYA HADERO AND MICHELLE L. PRICE THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 28 Dec. 2024
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The first system uses cold plasma to filter outside air coming onboard through the ventilation and air-conditioning systems to suppress bacteria and viruses.Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near holdback
Cite this Entry
“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 3 Jan. 2025.
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