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.

In general, mortgage brokers have suggested there is some pent-up demand among potential buyers who were waiting for the Budget and the festive period to be over before making firm plans to move.

From BBC

“We feel there might have been tax-loss harvesting occurring and now that this is behind us, we see some pent-up buying,” Buchanan said in a phone interview.

From MarketWatch

“After multiple years of a near-absence in VC-backed IPOs, pent-up demand for new stocks has enticed more companies to come to market, and signs point to more activity in 2026,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Companies delayed hiring and investment decisions last year amid tariffs and policy uncertainty, creating pent-up demand that could be released all at once.

From Barron's

"A lot of pent-up emotion came out on the 18th green. A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it," said McIlroy.

From BBC