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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Recent Examples of no-holds-barred
David Fincher's 1999 big screen adaptation of author Chuck Palahniuk's 1996 novel opened in U.S. theaters 25 years ago today, wowing audiences with its distinctive style and no-holds-barred — if frequently misunderstood — examination of modern masculinity.
—
John Russell, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024
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
The no-holds-barred, no gloves, everything-goes fighting had been happening in Brazil for many years.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2024
John Russell, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024
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
The no-holds-barred, no gloves, everything-goes fighting had been happening in Brazil for many years.
—Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for no-holds-barred
Adjective
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In a comprehensive, step-by-step Reddit guide published on r/DHGate, user FabulousNinja8399 shares that this medal signals a seller has achieved the highest grade a store can receive: ACE status.—
Francesca Krempa,
StyleCaster,
10 Apr. 2025
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The European Union is so far the only jurisdiction globally to drive forward comprehensive rules for artificial intelligence with its AI Act.—
Ryan Browne,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Before starting an application server migration, ensure the middleware provider offers comprehensive migration resources and conducts a thorough review of your current architecture.—
Steve Millidge,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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The manual work process was as impressive as the thorough understanding of quality choices.—
Mark Holgate,
Vogue,
8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Factoring in Cunningham working himself back into a complete All-Star, playoff-caliber level only adds weight to these games.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2025
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Engaging with this data, these states are able to create a much more complete picture of what maternal health care looks like.—
Antonio Reynoso,
New York Daily News,
6 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“No-holds-barred.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/no-holds-barred. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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