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.
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“Immigration policy changes likely held back payrolls growth in August,” said Bill Adams, chief economist at Fifth Third Commercial Bank.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026
However, while its sanctions announced on Monday targeted some Chinese entities accused of helping Tehran procure "critical technology", Washington has so far held back from punishing major Chinese financial institutions.
From Barron's ● Aug. 28, 2026
These results may have practical importance because functional health reflects whether people can continue performing routine activities without being held back by fatigue or other symptoms.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 29, 2026
Neither group wants to be held back by regulations.
From Slate ● Jul. 29, 2026
He dashes across the street while traffic is held back by the red light.
From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen
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 no longer feel the sinking in my gut, the held-back tearfulness that such a false accusation would once have produced.
From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood
