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.
"This shouldn't have happened," the boyfriend of one of the killed teachers told reporters, clearly distressed and trying to hold back tears.
From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2026
But the brewing storm over the reversal and the halftime show caused him to hold back.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
DeArmas, usually so composed, couldn't hold back his tears.
From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026
"I don't know what we're going to do," his mother Arwen said, struggling to hold back tears.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
“No buts,” I whisper to myself, unable to hold back the smile that creeps out on my lips.
From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz
