HOLDBACK Synonyms: 184 Similar and Opposite Words

holdback 1 of 2

noun

ˈhōl(d)-ˌbak

Definition of holdback

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

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

hold back

2 of 2

verb

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

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

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

If the property is not sold within 180 days, then Cash to Win keeps the remaining 30% holdback. — Jeff Lazerson, Oc Register, 8 Jan. 2026 He would then be allowed to use the materials after a holdback period—either 12 months following the release of the documentary or two years from the agreement’s signing, whichever comes first. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2025

Verb

To prevent impersonation, WhatsApp will hold back usernames for high-profile people or groups such as celebrities, public figures and government entities. — Kelvin Chan, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 The delay is attributed to Rockstar strategically holding back the trailer, as pre-orders already generated significant buzz. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for holdback

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdback

Noun

But the heat has led to cancellations and delays in several states.

— Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 4 July 2026
The city commission reached a major step forward on the project after months of delays and disagreements over the best way to replace the old City Hall, which was damaged beyond repair by the historic flooding of April 2023.

— Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Definition of delay

Noun

But even Johnson is not immune to the bruising consequences of dealing with a president who critics say treats Congress as an obstacle, instead of an equal — frequently flexing his power through executive orders.

— Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Crews can drive directly into rivers or lakes without installing additional equipment, allowing the vehicle to continue moving even when water obstacles stand in the way.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026

Definition of obstacle

Verb

The decision severely hampered local planning for America’s 250th anniversary, disrupting history projects, museums and educational programs nationwide.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Chwalińska took a medical timeout for the injury at the end of the game, and she was clearly hampered by it for the rest of the match.

— Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of hamper

Verb

Cubans strolled along el Paseo del Prado promenade in the inky night, desperate to escape the stifling heat of their homes.

— Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
The outages come as some areas are expected to experience severe weather and stifling heat again on Saturday.

— Jon Haworth, ABC News, 5 July 2026

Definition of stifle

Noun

To directly address these technical, safety, and regulatory hurdles, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the international energy technology firm Eni have established a new commercial engineering services company named RH3OVA.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026
There are still some hurdles to get Trout to the game this year.

— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 5 July 2026

Definition of hurdle

Verb

Health care workers who impede these rituals for infection-control reasons often face hostility and violence; clinics have been attacked and burned down during this outbreak, furthering viral spread.

— Alice Park, Time, 2 July 2026
These vehicles were blocking and impeding fire operations, and several were non-operational and required tow truck assistance for removal.

— Jeff Nguyen, CBS News, 1 July 2026

Definition of impede

Verb

Record-setting heat is suspected in 25 deaths from the Deep South to the Midwest to the East Coast, authorities said, with the temperature highs also suppressing some Fourth of July celebrations.

— Dennis Romero, NBC news, 5 July 2026
When coated onto a polypropylene separator with graphene, the material formed a thin interfacial layer that readily absorbed electrolyte while suppressing polysulfide migration.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026

Definition of suppress

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holdalls

holdback

hold back

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Style

“Holdback.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdback. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of holdback

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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