Definitions

bottle up

VERB

hold in check

Synonyms

STRONGEST

repress suppress

WEAK

box up bring to naught check collar contain coop up cork corner cover up cramp curb enclose entrap hold back hold down hold in keep back keep feeling inside oneself keep secret restrain restrict shut in trap

Antonyms

STRONGEST

let go

WEAK

confide reveal tell

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.

So the establishment decided to bottle up the flavours of its "fermentation lab" and "test kitchen".

From Barron's • Nov. 2, 2025

Emily Handstock vividly remembers "struggling to stand" as she went into her A-level geology exam, hiding a hot water bottle up her jumper.

From BBC • May 25, 2024

It would create a sweeping system intended to bottle up illegal immigration.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 19, 2024

The Federal Aviation Administration’s tight regulations and reliance on pilot “self-reporting,” advocates say, create a culture in which aviators bottle up their problems instead of reporting them and seeking treatment.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 26, 2023

Psychiatrists tell you not to bottle up your feelings because they’ll eventually explode.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon

bottle up

Example Sentences

Related Words