Find Synonyms

holdback Synonyms

Another word for holdback

Choosing another word for holdback depends on context, so the 10 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A portion of a loan, purchase price, or contract payment that is retained until a specified condition is met or work is satisfactorily completed.

Usage Example

"The construction contract included a ten percent retainage until the final building inspection was approved."

Strongest
retainage
Strong
withholding
retention

• noun (Context 2)

Something that restrains, delays, or hinders progress; a check or impediment.

Usage Example

"A lack of adequate funding proved to be the main hindrance to launching the research project on schedule."

Strongest
hindrance
Strong
impediment
obstacle
restraint
setback
deterrent

• noun (Context 3)

A decorative hook, tie, or fixture attached to a wall to hold a curtain or drapery to the side of a window.

Usage Example

"She fastened the heavy velvet curtains behind brass holdbacks to let the morning sunlight into the room."

Strongest
tieback

Opposites of holdback

The opposite of holdback shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

catalyst
impetus
stimulus
See all opposites of holdback

• Nearby Words

hoki
hold
holdall
holdback
holder
holding
holdout

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Holdback. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/holdback
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