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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.

In layman’s terms, that means lowering the cost of space access, bypassing the power bottlenecks holding back AI development, and using its satellite expertise to manage the entire project.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

With the deck stacked against day traders, Michalka said, the pattern day-trading rule probably helped retail investors by holding back some would-be traders.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

She also said that reporting teams are holding back on submitting specific story pitches, due to the “fear of the internal repercussions.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

"I just feel so empty," he said, holding back tears.

From BBC • May 23, 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

Related Words