beholden to
idiom
formal
: owing a favor or gift to (someone) : having obligations to (someone)
politicians who are beholden to special interest groups
She works for herself, and so is beholden to no one.
Examples of beholden to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
After the group broke with Kennedy and recommended annual COVID-19 vaccines for all young children, Kennedy blasted the association as beholden to corporate interests.
—
Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2025
But based on evidence that included Musk’s testimony during a 2022 trial, McCormick ruled the pay package had been crafted by a board that was too cozy and beholden to the hard-charging Musk.
—Michael Liedtke, Fortune, 20 Dec. 2025
Taken literally, the clause means that no member of Congress could hold a military commission and be beholden to the commander in chief, since this would erode Congress’ independence and authority.
—Joshua Kastenberg, The Conversation, 16 Dec. 2025
Previously, circuit court nominations were also beholden to approval via blue slips.
—Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beholden to
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2025
But based on evidence that included Musk’s testimony during a 2022 trial, McCormick ruled the pay package had been crafted by a board that was too cozy and beholden to the hard-charging Musk.
—Michael Liedtke, Fortune, 20 Dec. 2025
Taken literally, the clause means that no member of Congress could hold a military commission and be beholden to the commander in chief, since this would erode Congress’ independence and authority.
—Joshua Kastenberg, The Conversation, 16 Dec. 2025
Previously, circuit court nominations were also beholden to approval via blue slips.
—Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for beholden to
Cite this Entry
“Beholden to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beholden%20to. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share