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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

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

She had a metaphor for this tendency to bottle up emotions.

From New York Times • Mar. 18, 2023

Dr. van Heerden tipped the bottle up over his red, sweaty face.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer