Definitions

bottle up

VERB

hold in check

Synonyms

STRONGEST

repress suppress

WEAK

box up bring to naught check collar contain coop up cork corner cover up cramp curb enclose entrap hold back hold down hold in keep back keep feeling inside oneself keep secret restrain restrict shut in trap

Antonyms

STRONGEST

let go

WEAK

confide reveal tell

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

So the establishment decided to bottle up the flavours of its "fermentation lab" and "test kitchen".

From Barron's • Nov. 2, 2025

The Federal Aviation Administration’s tight regulations and reliance on pilot “self-reporting,” advocates say, create a culture in which aviators bottle up their problems instead of reporting them and seeking treatment.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 26, 2023

So Washington State’s challenge, among others, will be to find a way to do both — to bottle up the run and contain the pass.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 8, 2023

She had a metaphor for this tendency to bottle up emotions.

From New York Times • Mar. 18, 2023

She smiled, raised the Coke to her lips, and tipped the bottle up.

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt

bottle up

Example Sentences

Related Words