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.

Worries about the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market are another reason for workers to hold back on higher pay demands.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

"They're renowned for building dams that hold back the flow of water," he said.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Planet Labs PBC, a leading provider of high resolution images taken from space, said Friday it would hold back for 96 hours images of Gulf states targeted by Iranian drone attacks.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

Companies surveyed by the New York Fed said consumer spending ticked up, but uncertainty is still causing some shoppers to hold back on big purchases.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 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