held out

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.

While the president struck an optimistic note during the cabinet meeting, saying that the Iranians were beginning to come around at the negotiation table, he again held out the possibility of additional military strikes.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Instead, it just felt like an event held out of habit.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Stocks rose Wednesday as investors held out hope for a swift end to the war in the Middle East amid talks between the U.S. and Iran.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

The top pros were held out of the last two Winter Olympics, in 2018 over a dispute between the players and the IOC, and in 2022 because of COVID-19 interruptions in scheduling.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

I held out my paper cup, but she lifted her chin at the crumpled-up cup on her own tray.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith