holding back

Part of Speech:

All (3) Adjective (2) Noun (1)

Jump To:

retaining adj.
suppressive adj.
detention n.

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.

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holding back

It is a way of encouraging Chinese people to spend when many are holding back amid slowing economic momentum.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

Alcaraz said he was playing "normal" in a straight-set win over Russia's Roman Safiullin in the first round and reiterated after beating Faria that he is not holding back on his forehand.

From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026

"My children had the books too, and now their children have them. Two generations," she said, holding back tears.

From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026

Higher prices for Caterpillar’s equipment and generators aren’t holding back sales.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 2026

And I swear I can see the corner of Maxine’s mouth go up, like she’s holding back a smirk.

From "The Skin I'm In" by Sharon G. Flake

holding back

Example Sentences

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