holdback 1 of 2

noun

ˈhōl(d)-ˌbak How to pronounce holdback (audio)
Definition of holdbacknext
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

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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

hold back

2 of 2

verb

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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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 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
Noun
Universities will continue to deal with the 3% holdbacks — plus another 2% drop — for next fiscal year, according to the statement of purpose for the appropriations bill that senators passed Thursday. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 20 Mar. 2026 Add curtain holdbacks with playful animal details, or top your door hinges with decorative hinge caps for a knowing wink of whimsy. — Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Ivana Stradner of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies told Fox News Digital that corruption has held back democracy in the Balkans and progress for its people for a while. — Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Since then, the city has installed additional Tiger Dam barriers along the beach to hold back rising waters. — Ted Scouten, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for holdback
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback
  1. delay
  2. obstacle
  3. hamper
  4. stifle
  5. wait
  6. hurdle
  7. impede
  8. suppress
Noun
  • By contrast, recent restrictions or delays suggest a greater emphasis on managing relations with Beijing and avoiding unnecessary escalation.
    — Ningrong Liu, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The delay raises a broader question about A24’s international release strategy at a time when social media can turn a film into a global cultural event overnight.
    — Alex Ritman, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of delay
Noun
  • Amazon Watch, a nonprofit focused on environmental protection and Indigenous rights, also welcomed Lula’s victory while warning of legislative obstacles.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Still, around 42% of marketers (linked in the Mediaocean research above) say that getting good quality data (or being able to access it) is a major obstacle, and only 10% have all their ad technology systems fully integrated.
    — Ivan Guzenko, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of obstacle
Verb
  • Ukrainian officials said the restrictions hampered ⁠the military’s ability to intercept Russian ​attack ⁠drones and forced the cancellation of some operations.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The officials said the restrictions were disrupting high-speed military drones, hampering Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian attacks and conduct operations along the front line.
    — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of hamper
Verb
  • Brown was part of stifling a KC law that was going to protect against housing discrimination on the basis of income source or criminal history in 2025.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Studies have shown that countries with stronger IP systems tend to be more innovative, while weaker IP systems may stifle innovation.
    — Andrei Iancu, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of stifle
Noun
  • Howard County's only hospital will soon have a new unit on its grounds, part of an ongoing strategy to try and reduce wait times in the emergency room (ER).
    — Dennis Valera, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Many diners would vociferously argue that Wok-Inn is always worth any wait.
    — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of wait
Noun
  • That's good news for home shoppers, but may not be enough to overcome the affordability hurdles keeping many prospective homebuyers out of the market.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • On Wednesday, the Republican House speaker acknowledged his party’s hurdles while stumping for congressional candidate Kevin Lincoln in Stockton in the Central Valley.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of hurdle
Verb
  • Schwank also took issue with ICE’s characterization that Moreida was standing in the middle of an active road and impeding law enforcement’s actions.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Federal officials argue that California’s refusal to review the federal list or set aside the associated ballots impedes enforcement.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of impede
Verb
  • By failing to suppress a Democratic campaign ad about the scandal, the Republican Party is only calling more attention to the misuse of $10 million meant for Florida’s Medicaid program.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Critics say the changes could suppress overseas turnout; volunteers have responded with VoteBnB, matching voters with rides and places to stay near polling stations.
    — Branimir Pipal, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of suppress

Browse Nearby Words

holdalls
holdback
hold back
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Cite this Entry

“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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