HOLDUPS Synonyms: 21 Similar and Opposite Words

holdups

noun

plural of holdup

as in delays

an instance or period of being prevented from going about one's business a holdup in construction due to the weather

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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 holdups The threat of similar holdups for other deals could infiltrate deal discussions and shift financial terms. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 The El Niño butterfly effect If there are significant holdups at the canal, vessels will bring their cargo to a US West Coast port and truck it across the country, Yadav said. — Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026 For the most part, these aren’t armed holdups but instead more like storage-facility break-ins. — Kiel Porter, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026 Common delays include appraisal holdups, missing documentation and employment changes. — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2026 One of the holdups is due to final negotiations with a new partner expected to sponsor the Clash. — Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 24 July 2026 And, as with most engines, a timely tuneup helps ensure smooth and predictable functioning, avoiding hiccups or holdups. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 15 July 2026 Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas recorded 112 delays as of the afternoon, with the holdups lasting between 16 and 30 minutes over wind disruptions. — Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026 The city comptroller has launched an investigation into City Hall’s handing of outdoor dining permits, raising concerns about procedural holdups that could be preventing hundreds of restaurants from opening up en plein air seating this spring. — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdups

Noun

While supply constraints are contributing to the delays, strong demand suggests the device could become another growth engine.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
Together, these efforts can help smooth the often difficult path from the first unexplained symptoms to an accurate diagnosis, while reducing the risk of both misdiagnosis and unnecessary delays.

— Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of delays

Noun

Some voters faced waits of up to two hours, and the county’s online wait-time map didn’t always match what people saw at the polls.

— Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Oct. 2026
For instance, applicants from countries such as China and India (registration required) may face lengthier waits due to backlog risks and high demand.

— Jill Jones, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of waits

Browse Nearby Words

holdup

holdups

hold water

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

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Synonyms of holdups

noun

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