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.
Three months ago, Zheng could not hold back her tears in a news conference after a first-round exit at the French Open.
From BBC ● Sep. 5, 2026
"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
DeArmas, usually so composed, couldn't hold back his tears.
From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026
After reading the exchange on Friday morning, Meloni didn’t hold back.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2026
Maggie could not hold back her emotions a second longer, “No—no—it is not so! Doctor Kane knows it is not!”
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
