held back

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.

I cannot make the straight-faced argument that the worst “Scary Movies” were held back by their source material.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Then, when Billy Gilmour suffered the first-half injury that had such devastating personal consequences for the Napoli man, Fletcher was only held back as his immediate replacement through an element of caution on Clarke's part.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Unlike most of the U.S., the city’s housing market is no longer being held back by a lack of supply.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

It held back on striking Beirut due to pressure from the U.S., which is concerned such attacks could endanger its fragile cease-fire with Iran, until Thursday when the military said it conducted targeted strikes there.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

“I—” My head bowed and the tears I’d so fiercely held back in front of Traft fell fast and furious.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson