be beholden

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.

The military said it refused to be beholden to a corporation and pushed back, labeling Anthropic a threat akin to an enemy foreign power and blocking it from some government contracts.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

How much should the meaning evolve, and how much should it be beholden to the past and tradition?

From Slate • May 8, 2024

It was set up as a nonprofit by founders who hoped that it wouldn’t be beholden to commercial interests.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2023

Securing ownership is only the first challenge, Mr Darmody said, as the successful bidder will ultimately be beholden to the fans.

From BBC • May 14, 2023

I said thankee, but I ain’t a-go’n be beholden to nobody.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns