Definitions

pent-up

[pent-uhp] / ˈpɛntˈʌp /

ADJECTIVE

held within

Synonyms

STRONGEST

repressed stifled suppressed

WEAK

bottled-up bridled checked constrained curbed held in check held-back inhibited restrained restricted smothered

Antonyms

WEAK

public released

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.

Despite rising rates, buyer resilience in March was attributed to pent-up demand and rates still lower than the previous year.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

That was driven in part by pent-up demand to replace aging infrastructure and meet state-driven renewable energy mandates, the research firm noted.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

In early 2026, “I really felt like with rates going down, there was so much pent-up demand and pent-up supply coming on the market,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

But the country's teeth were in an appalling state after World War Two and pent-up demand was much greater than politicians anticipated.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

It felt as if at any moment all that pent-up energy would burst from within and sweep everyone aside.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia