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.

Higher inflation in Germany would hit consumer spending, the institutes said, weighing on an already weak economy that has barely grown since a burst of pent-up demand after the Covid pandemic in 2022.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

The supply-chain constraints, combined with pent-up consumer demand, led to inflation climbing to a four-decade high, prompting central banks globally to rapidly increase borrowing costs.

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

Housing-related equities are also performing well and could see years of pent-up demand realized if financing conditions improve as substantially as I expect them to this year.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 2, 2026

To go for so long without prey and suddenly to have so many—his pent-up hunting instinct was lashing out with a vengeance.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel