pent-up

[pent-uhp] / ˈpɛntˈʌp /

ADJECTIVE

held within

Synonyms

STRONGEST

repressed stifled suppressed

WEAK

bottled-up bridled checked constrained curbed held in check held-back inhibited restrained restricted smothered

Antonyms

WEAK

public released

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.

In early 2026, “I really felt like with rates going down, there was so much pent-up demand and pent-up supply coming on the market,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

But the country's teeth were in an appalling state after World War Two and pent-up demand was much greater than politicians anticipated.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Housing-related equities are also performing well and could see years of pent-up demand realized if financing conditions improve as substantially as I expect them to this year.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 2, 2026

Gen. Harris, there was no lack of pent-up ambition.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

“You’re the one who should be ashamed of yourself, coming here and acting like you have any right to us or to our home,” I said, my voice trembling with pent-up emotion.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall