HOLDS (BACK) Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

holds back

verb

present tense third-person singular of hold back

as in hampers

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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as in stifles

to refrain from openly showing or uttering held back her tears until she was alone

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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 holds back Eventually, though, and soon, Colorado will need to institute a new water conservation program that holds back some water for release downstream through this stretch and on toward Lake Powell when it’s most needed in summer, Holm said. — Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 8 Sep. 2026 Samsung traditionally holds back one color in the Galaxy S range to be a web exclusive and drive consumers to its website, although typically this is one of the standard black or grey colors. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 The hydropower from Glen Canyon Dam that holds back Lake Powell serves more than 350,000 homes. — ABC News, 8 May 2026 Nmecha holds back, posing doubt for Sanchez and a narrow window for his pass out. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026 The company holds back 30% of the equity to cover its selling costs, settlement charges and miscellaneous other fees, including 9% per day on all advanced funds. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2026 Sophie holds back and cries in her room. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 Jan. 2026 Neutral is considered a spot that neither boosts nor holds back economic activity, and the funds rate is just half a percentage point above where most on the FOMC see the rate landing over the long term. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holds back

Verb

But the inability a company to buy ads hampers a campaign’s visibility and removes a key tool that studios use to spread the word about a movie currently in theaters.

— Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 17 Oct. 2026
This lushness is truly remarkable on an island known for its volcanic soil, which traditionally hampers plant growth.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of hampers

Verb

Perhaps her biggest challenge is combating the misconception that cystic fibrosis has been cured, which stifles investment into new treatments.

— Gerry Smith, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026
Opponents argue the proposal weakens environmental protections, stifles community input and could fast-track projects like data centers and freeways.

— Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of stifles

Verb

Unexcused absences in three consecutive elections freeze tax IDs, block nonvoters from applying to state jobs, hinders loans from state banks, and delays the issuance of passports.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
This method prevents nitrogen from diluting the exhaust gas, which hinders combustion and keeps the CO₂ concentration relatively low.

— Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of hinders

Verb

And not to stress anybody out further, but high cortisol suppresses your immune system and increases inflammation, both of which lead to things like quicker aging and poor long-term health outcomes.

— Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
In recent years, the unit has been the target of public scrutiny for their aggressive response and policing of demonstrations, with some critics saying the unit suppresses people’s right to free speech.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of suppresses

Verb

Past popes have written letters of resignation in case of a severe illness or medical emergency that impedes them from carrying out their duties.

— Christopher Lamb, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
The sheriff said vehicles parked in a way that impedes traffic will be towed at the owner's expense.

— Jennifer McRae, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of impedes

Verb

Even more so in Bates’ home of Aroostook County, which swallows some 6,700 square miles way up near the Canadian border.

— Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
In many of his shots, the big sky of Ukraine’s fields and steppe swallows the frame.

— Sophie Pinkham, The New York Review of Books, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of swallows

Verb

Or from locking up Mick Cronin through 2030, even though UCLA’s prickly basketball coach embarrasses the university annually and hasn’t reached a Sweet 16 since 2023.

— Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Now the technology embarrasses an umpire even more than a player could, and what’s the recourse?

— Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 4 Apr. 2026

Definition of embarrasses

Verb

Don't tail large vehicles closely - Trucks or buses can kick up a water spray that obstructs visibility.

— NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
Anatasia steals a truck and obstructs their path, sacrificing herself to a bleak future, all in the name of love.

— Hunter Ingram, Variety, 10 July 2026