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.

Canada’s economy is on track to return to growth in the first quarter of the year, though businesses continue to hold back on investments due to trade uncertainty.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

“It kind of siphoned all of that pent-up, closeted stuff that you hold back, that you couldn’t freely express,” she said.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

Ice shelves act as barriers that hold back Antarctica's inland glaciers and ice sheets.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

Some think that potential buyers of baseball clubs may hold back since the current contract between owners and the players union expires at the end of this season.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

They nod their heads in unison, and when Pepa says, “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of Teresita; we already love her like a sister,” I have to hold back my tears.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar