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:
Sabalenka held back tears during her post-match interview where she praised Rybakina's performance.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
“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
"But I held back, telling myself it was only three months. After that three-month period, I realised, 'Hey, I can do this! Next year, I must do it again'."
From Barron's ● Aug. 3, 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
We reached the third floor, and Dari and I held back as Twig ran ahead to be our lookout.
From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller
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
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
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
