hold 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.

Erick Erickson, the conservative radio host and founder of the RedState political blog, did not hold back.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

If we’re overly pessimistic about how someone will respond to us, then we might choose to hold back too often.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

“Recent increases for long-term interest rates will continue to hold back home buyer demand,” Robert Dietz, the trade group’s chief economist said in a statement.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

We asked our staffers for their dreamiest expectations and they didn’t hold back: space epics, Matt Damon in a helmet and, yes, a “Jackass” movie.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

The tingling had built to a furious itch that needed to be scratched, and I was too upset to hold back any longer.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia