1
as in hampered
to create difficulty for the work or activity of
the only thing holding them back from joining the swim team is lack of transportation
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stifled
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
held back her tears until she was alone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of held back
Sequential integration for CFETs One of the biggest barriers that’s held back sequential processes is the scorching temperatures needed to make high-quality transistors.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
25 June 2026
This never held back the Kennedys before.
—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
Muñoz scored in the 76th minute after the Colombians had been held back by a strong performance from Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who made five difficult saves in the first 20 minutes.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Greenspan held back, trusting that institutions risking their own money would not risk too much, Blinder said.
—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Introduced by William Grant & Sons in 2024, the brand draws on malt and grain whiskies from the family's private reserves, stocks that have been held back from the blending pool for decades.
—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Electric aviation has always been held back by the same physics problem.
—
Omar Kardoudi
june 12,
New Atlas,
12 June 2026
Still, Reid held back from anything definitive.
—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
Amodei, meanwhile, has not held back in his criticism of Flippo, who swapped races from the 4th Congressional District in Southern Nevada after the congressman’s retirement.
—
Max Grinstein,
The Washington Examiner,
11 June 2026
IEEE Spectrum,
25 June 2026
This never held back the Kennedys before.
—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
24 June 2026
Muñoz scored in the 76th minute after the Colombians had been held back by a strong performance from Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who made five difficult saves in the first 20 minutes.
—
ABC News,
24 June 2026
Greenspan held back, trusting that institutions risking their own money would not risk too much, Blinder said.
—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
Introduced by William Grant & Sons in 2024, the brand draws on malt and grain whiskies from the family's private reserves, stocks that have been held back from the blending pool for decades.
—
Joseph V Micallef,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Electric aviation has always been held back by the same physics problem.
—
Omar Kardoudi
june 12,
New Atlas,
12 June 2026
Still, Reid held back from anything definitive.
—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
11 June 2026
Amodei, meanwhile, has not held back in his criticism of Flippo, who swapped races from the 4th Congressional District in Southern Nevada after the congressman’s retirement.
—
Max Grinstein,
The Washington Examiner,
11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for held back
Verb
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Slowing the virus’ spread has been hampered by the fact that there is no known treatment or vaccine for the new Bundibugyo strain.
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Peterson was considered by many the top prospect in this year’s class, but his stock was hampered by injury issues during his lone season at Kansas.
Verb
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While they were entirely bought-in, their blind consensus actively stifled creativity and differing thought.
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After feeling stifled in the corporate world, Gaudin said Inches has given him the freedom to embrace his creativity and show other LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs that ownership is possible.
Verb
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Regulatory barriers have also hindered climate-friendly projects.
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Regulatory barriers have also hindered climate-friendly projects.
Verb
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Oracle Park’s spacious dimensions and San Francisco’s chilly climate have suppressed home runs for more than two decades, but this was a true no-doubt blast that cleared the left-center field fence by plenty of feet.
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In effect, the program was suppressed and hidden rather than truly removed.
Verb
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Supporters had campaigned for Merlin to be allowed into the Azteca to witness Mexico’s final group game — but the dabbler found his free passage impeded on Wednesday evening by FIFA regulations.
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The Sugar Act directly impeded colonial drinking, as molasses is a key ingredient in rum.
Verb
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Mount Baldy made headlines in 2013 when a 6-year-old boy was suddenly swallowed by the dune, prompting rescues to frantically dig him out.
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The parade swallowed ordinary city life, too.
Verb
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The Chicago White Sox, a team many left for dead at the start of the year, embarrassed the Kansas City Royals Friday night, 22-1.
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The case has generated intense international attention because of Hoiby's connection to the royal family, who have been embarrassed by it.
Verb
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Srebnick also questioned Alber about how the view of the channel marker Pino slammed into was obstructed by other markers.
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And other cities, counties, and states are pivoting to get residents more information as deals are increasingly obstructed by residents loudly vocalizing opposition.
Cite this Entry
“Held back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/held%20back. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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