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held back





held-back




ADJECTIVE
smothered
Synonyms


ADJECTIVE
withheld
Synonyms


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.

I cannot make the straight-faced argument that the worst “Scary Movies” were held back by their source material.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

The government has insisted that all relevant documents will be published, except if the Metropolitan Police has requested any be held back while they conduct their investigation.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Data centers are still being held back by energy, land, and building constraints.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

It held back on striking Beirut due to pressure from the U.S., which is concerned such attacks could endanger its fragile cease-fire with Iran, until Thursday when the military said it conducted targeted strikes there.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

We presented our muskets, and the men, struck with fear, held back.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson




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