held back
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.
See Examples For:
Until now, attempts to produce it had been held back by difficulties in developing the right materials.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026
The major indexes are being held back by the artist formerly known as the “Magnificent Seven.”
From Barron's ● Jun. 29, 2026
And when that happens, the stocks being held back by rate anxiety today could lead the next leg higher.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 29, 2026
U.S. jobless claims fell last week, signaling employers held back from widespread layoffs.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026
Voldemort did not speak, but prowled in a circle, and Harry knew that he kept him temporarily mesmerized and at bay, held back by the faintest possibility that Harry might indeed know a final secret....
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
The held-back funds are tied to programs that, in some cases, have received these dollars for decades.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2025
Although the held-back funds make up less than 1% of California’s education budget, they have an outsize cumulative effect.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2025
In one moment, a student may sing a solo that lights up the room like a supernova only for them to later sing it through a clenched throat and held-back tears.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 20, 2022
Each jurisdiction must appoint two full-time commissioners and submit applications laying out the commission’s safety and investigative credentials and establishing its independence from Metro before the held-back money can be released, FTA officials say.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 23, 2017
I hurry down the block while my held-back torrent of tears splashes down my face.
From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed
