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held back

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
VERB
repress
Synonyms
WEAK
bit bridle check control curb defer delay deny forbear hold down hold in hold off inhibit keep keep back keep out postpone prevent put off refrain refuse restrain stop suppress withhold
held-back
ADJECTIVE
pent-up
Synonyms
STRONGEST
repressed stifled suppressed
WEAK
bottled-up bridled checked constrained curbed held in check inhibited restrained restricted smothered
Antonyms
WEAK
public released
ADJECTIVE
restricted
Synonyms
STRONGEST
barred blocked closed confined controlled defined deprived prescribed reduced restrained secured shortened tethered
STRONG
bound bounded bridled chained checked clogged cramped curbed decreased deterred diminished encircled fastened fettered foiled frustrated governed hampered hitched impeded inhibited manacled moderated modified narrowed obstructed prevented repressed stayed stopped suppressed surrounded tempered
WEAK
reined in small
Antonyms
STRONG
free unbounded
ADJECTIVE
retained
Synonyms
STRONGEST
maintained received saved
STRONG
confined contained detained had held included owned possessed remembered reserved restrained secured sustained treasured withheld
Antonyms
STRONG
extroverted lost outgoing
WEAK
disengaged let go refused unemployed wasted
ADJECTIVE
silenced
Synonyms
STRONG
calmed censored gagged muted repressed restrained restricted stilled subdued suppressed
WEAK
held down
ADJECTIVE
smothered
Synonyms
STRONGEST
checked constrained stifled
STRONG
bridled curbed repressed
ADJECTIVE
withheld
Synonyms
STRONG
hidden restrained
WEAK
confidential secret

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.

U.S. jobless claims rose last week but remained relatively low as employers held back from widespread layoffs despite economic uncertainty tied to the war in Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

The article argues that Becerra, who has shown combative skill in previous roles, inexplicably held back at the debate rather than showcasing his genuine fighting spirit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Rival company Anthropic has held back a new Claude Mythos AI model deemed so adept at finding vulnerabilities in software it could be a boon for hackers.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

This finding removes a major limitation that has long held back orbitronics.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

Ella and Brigit held back giggles as they headed for the aviary with Siobhan.

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton