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.
DeArmas, usually so composed, couldn't hold back his tears.
From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026
The committee’s decision to hold back on council expansion and other hot-button issues came after the chief legislative analyst office recommended that the measures be studied further, with council expansion going before voters in 2028.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 16, 2026
Shutting down the top models could hold back Anthropic as it prepares for an initial public offering as soon as this fall if users turn to other models.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 2026
Erick Erickson, the conservative radio host and founder of the RedState political blog, did not hold back.
From Salon ● Jun. 3, 2026
I breathe slowly, trying to hold back frustrated tears.
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
