holds back

VERB

repress

Synonyms

WEAK

bit bridle check control curb defer delay deny forbear hold down hold in inhibit keep keep back keep out postpone prevent put off refrain refuse restrain stop suppress withhold

Antonyms

WEAK

let go reveal

VERB

repress

Synonyms

WEAK

bit bridle check control curb defer delay deny forbear hold down hold in hold off inhibit keep keep back keep out postpone prevent put off refrain refuse restrain stop suppress withhold

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.

The Fed’s current target, at 3.5% to 3.75%, is only marginally above Fed officials’ revised 3.1% estimate of “neutral,” which neither holds back nor stimulates spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

McNamara acknowledged that a stigma of modular as low quality holds back an embrace of the model.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2025

Quasi-Baroque keyboard arpeggios pace a track that holds back, recognizes that “Time doesn’t stop for a sad little girl” and surges as she decides, “This time I think I’m found.”

From New York Times • Apr. 12, 2024

Energy prices have since fallen as a weak global economy holds back demand for fossil fuels to power cars, planes, factories and more.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 6, 2024

There’s more coming eventually—Wal-Mart, like so many other low-wage employers, holds back your first week’s pay—but eventually will be too late.

From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich