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.

Traditionally, logs made of coir - coconut husk - have been imported from South-East Asia to reduce erosion, hold back water and also re-wet degraded peatland.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

MarketWatch: Investors once again are faced with a decision to either chase the stock-market rally or hold back.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

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

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

A properly written contract includes a retainage clause, allowing the homeowner to hold back a percentage of the project cost—typically 10%—until completion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 25, 2026

I tried to hold back the tears, but they were already forming.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad