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.

As ice shelves become thinner and weaker, they lose some of their ability to hold back the glaciers behind them.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

In comparison, Mandava's look seemed to hold back.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

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

I hold back a snicker, because he seems to really mean it.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen