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.

He harangues referees and reporters and doesn’t hold back when communicating with his players.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

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

From Salon • Jun. 3, 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

Traditionally, logs made of coir - coconut husk - have been imported from South-East Asia to reduce erosion, hold back water and also re-wet degraded peatland.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying and failing to hold back the tears oozing out.

From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows