What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tieback
Example
I bought some new tiebacks for my living room curtains. [tiebacks: noun]
Example
The boat was secured to the dock with a tieback. [tieback: noun]
Example
She tied her hair back in a neat ponytail. [tied: verb]
holdback
Example
The holdback valve prevented the water from flowing too quickly. [holdback: noun]
Example
The police used a barricade to hold back the protesters. [hold back: phrasal verb]
Example
We kept a holdback of supplies in case of an emergency. [holdback: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Holdback is more commonly used than tieback in technical or professional settings. Tieback is more commonly used in interior design or fashion.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tieback and holdback?
Both tieback and holdback are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
