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 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 Police have also charged 32-year-old Guardy Roman in connection with two of the holdups reported last fall. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for holdups

Noun

That includes bringing in physical and cybersecurity assistance for county clerks, mailing ballots earlier to minimize problems from delays, and creating a provision to allow the governor to declare an emergency in case of interference.

— Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2026
The reduction will likely worsen existing delays and exacerbate transit fees, experts say.

— Hira Humayun, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of delays

Noun

Stephen Hunt, chief development officer for VRT, told the council that virtually every rider complaint from long waits at the Senior Center to circuitous routes traced back to a lack of funding rather than mismanagement.

— Noah Daly August 20, Idaho Statesman, 20 Aug. 2026
While Waymo aims for robotaxis to replace car ownership, current issues like long waits and the inability to easily store personal items hinder this long-term vision.

— Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of waits

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holdup

holdups

hold water

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“Holdups.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holdups. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of holdups

noun

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