hold 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.

MarketWatch: Investors once again are faced with a decision to either chase the stock-market rally or hold back.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

As ice shelves become thinner and weaker, they lose some of their ability to hold back the glaciers behind them.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

In comparison, Mandava's look seemed to hold back.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

Relentless predator control—through poisoning, trapping and shooting, and high mesh fences that can hold back everything from a baby mouse to a pig—are the only hope for continued nesting of native seabirds on the islands.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

She recognized that I liked to joke around and told me not to hold back with my humor.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama