no-holds-barred

adjective

Definition of no-holds-barrednext
as in comprehensive
free from the usual limits or rules a no-holds-barred interview with the senator a no-holds-barred contest

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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 no-holds-barred But the seething energy shared between the various women in the film reaches operatic fever pitch, Close going no-holds-barred with Day and a combative Mo’Nique as a semi-sympathetic social worker. — Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-holds-barred
  1. comprehensive
  2. thorough
  3. complete
Adjective
  • In its comprehensive plan, the city of Eagle identifies the BLM land Bobo is cleaning up as a major component of the Foothills, calling for public lands to be incorporated into a larger open-space and wildlife-corridor network.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026
  • MacGregor has signed contracts with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard to supply comprehensive roll-on/roll-off equipment for the two vessels, marking one of its most extensive scopes for roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries to date.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of comprehensive
Adjective
  • Medical experts say a thorough screening is critical to preventing deaths.
    — Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Most importantly, don’t be afraid to advocate for a thorough skin exam.
    — Ayren Jackson-Cannady, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of thorough
Adjective
  • To defeat Iran would be a complete victory, not only for Israel but for the entire Middle East.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Those tests should reveal how well the modular architecture performs once individual components operate as part of a complete launcher.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of complete

Browse Nearby Words

no-goods
no-holds-barred
noise
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Cite this Entry

“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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