HOLD OFF Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

hold off

verb

Definition of hold off

as in to resist

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Dissimilar Words

as in to put off

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Dissimilar Words

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 hold off Investors in the bubbly stock market seem to be betting that Warsh and his colleagues will ultimately hold off a rate rise. — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 23 June 2026 Advanced drones and new tactics have allowed Kyiv to not hold off the Russian military’s attacks but push them back and regain territory. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 June 2026 Both Ghana and England will walk away with a point after Ghana managed to hold off England in a heart-pounding final few minutes of stoppage time. — Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026 As the second half began, Cape Verde continued to hold off the Argentinians and managed a couple of opportunities on the opposition’s goal, though nothing that overly troubled Emiliano Martínez. — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hold off

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold off

Verb

Under owner Arte Moreno, the Angels have resisted rebuilding, preferring to add lower-tier free agents and rush college players to the major leagues in an effort to field a competitive roster.

— Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Are the foundations laid in 1776 and 1789 still strong enough and sound enough to resist the tremors of our times?

— Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

For anyone who has been putting off a checkup, over the counter hearing aids have made treatment easier to access than ever, which turns this into one of the simplest risk factors on the list to actually address.

— Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
Most savvy shoppers these days are hardly put off by where an item sits in the store, and Chavarria says his menswear is often bought by women.

— Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 27 June 2026

Definition of put off

Verb

The conversation turned back to what has changed in how distribution has evolved internationally, due to streaming.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 6 July 2026
There was no immediate explanation for the ships that turned back on Friday and Saturday, though Iran has repeatedly said that vessels should only transit the strait through the route designated and authorized by the Islamic Republic.

— Weilun Soon, Fortune, 5 July 2026

Definition of turn back

Verb

But with Farage's fiercely anti-EU Reform UK party (previously called The Brexit Party) seeing major success in recent local elections, and Brexit still a divisive issue for the country, few politicians have indicated any will to even table the idea of holding another referendum.

— Frank Andrews, CBS News, 23 June 2026
After a judge blocked the plan and as bipartisan backlash grew, the fund seemed to be tabled.

— Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 June 2026

Definition of table

Verb

During the destruction of Krypton, Kara’s scientist parents, Zor-El (David Krumholtz) and Alura (Emily Beecham), managed to break off a city of Krypton – Argo City – that was protected by a force field.

— Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
About seven or eight million years ago, a branch of primates broke off and started developing superior brains, dexterous hands, and the capacity for language.

— Stephen Witt, New Yorker, 29 June 2026

Definition of break off

Verb

In fact, the pursuit of a truly American design style—one that turns away from imitation and toward exploration—has been a focus for architects since this country was founded.

— Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 4 July 2026
Another gives the president the power to turn away refugees seeking asylum at the border.

— Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of turn away

Verb

That’s true even when proceeds are held in escrow (exceptions can apply if the escrow is tied to contingencies), or when payment is deferred.

— Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
For consumers and logistics fleets who deferred major purchases out of fear that gas and diesel prices would remain permanently elevated, this stabilization acts as a powerful green light.

— Michael Khouw, CNBC, 22 June 2026