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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The German was supposed to be the elite coach who would make the difference when it mattered, throw off the perceived cloak of conservatism that held back England under Southgate.
From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026
Until now, attempts to produce it had been held back by difficulties in developing the right materials.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026
His lips quivered as he held back tears.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 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
She wanted to take action, but William held back.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
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 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
