holding back

ADJECTIVE

retaining

Synonyms

STRONG

accommodating arresting cherishing commemorating confining embracing employing engaging having hiring holding keeping owning possessing preserving remembering reserving restraining saving securing seizing suppressing sustaining taking treasuring withholding working

ADJECTIVE

suppressive

Synonyms

WEAK

censoring covering up curbing muffling quelling repressing repressive silencing stifling subduing withholding

NOUN

detention

Synonyms

STRONGEST

arrest custody delay incarceration internment quarantine

STRONG

apprehension bust detainment hindrance immurement impediment pen pickup pinch restraint retention withholding

WEAK

arrestation holding pen keeping in nab time up the river

Antonyms

STRONG

aid assistance help

WEAK

freedom liberation release

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.

“His paycheck was only around $1,000 at the time,” she recalled with a chuckle, holding back tears.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

I could tell he was holding back tears.

From Slate • Apr. 29, 2026

“If investors were to start worrying about energy insecurity holding back the growth of AI, for example, given AI’s huge energy needs, then we could find ourselves in a spot of trouble,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

But MP Smith said there were still issues holding back the sector.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Mother would start out bravely enough, but would begin holding back about the time the water got to her knees.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

holding back

Example Sentences

Related Words