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.

Douglas says there is something about the "repetitive beat" and everyone "gathering to release some pent-up energy" which feels like a way to connect to our ancestral roots.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Yet “Born to Kill” thrums with the pent-up energy of a guy who glimpsed the possibility that he might not sing again.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

In competitive markets in the Northeast and Midwest, agents say they still see pent-up demand from buyers who have been waiting for inventory to rise or prices to go down.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

“It kind of siphoned all of that pent-up, closeted stuff that you hold back, that you couldn’t freely express,” she said.

From Slate • May 4, 2026

To this day he is claustrophobic, holding his breath in elevators, feels pent-up in cars unless the windows are open on both sides.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri