held off

VERB

repress

Synonyms

WEAK

bit bridle check control curb defer delay deny forbear hold down hold in inhibit keep keep back keep out postpone prevent put off refrain refuse restrain stop suppress withhold

Antonyms

WEAK

let go reveal

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.

See Examples For:

held off

Winning said Firmus Energy have "held off for as long as we could in the hope of a resolution that would lead to a reduction in the global wholesale prices".

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026

The rebuttal by the Iranian foreign ministry follows Trump saying he had held off launching new strikes on the Islamic republic to allow for further diplomatic efforts, a familiar pattern in the conflict.

From Barron's ● Aug. 3, 2026

Two innings later, Yamamoto held off Rafaela for longer.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2026

While the Federal Reserve held off on changing interest rates on Wednesday, economists say the central bank’s latest decision is ramping up expectations for a rate hike at its next meeting in September.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 29, 2026

Lourdes has held off, hoping to baptize her daughter in Honduras with Honduran godparents.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario