HELD BACK Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

held back

verb

past tense of hold back

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in stifled

to refrain from openly showing or uttering held back her tears until she was alone

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of held back Wong, meanwhile, born in Los Angeles’ Chinatown to Taishanese parents from China, had been steadily acting for years, but was held back from Dietrich’s level of success largely because of her race. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2026 Kering and Zegna held back on expansion, with each representing under 5 percent of openings as market headwinds prompted a more cautious real estate approach. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026 The abundance critique is that there are abundant opportunities to grow being held back by excessive regulation, planning and conditions of the sort mentioned above, which can create inertia in the system. — Mariana Mazzucato, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 Her relentless advocacy to break down barriers that had held back women for decades was echoed by Nancy Pelosi in an interview with MSNOW. — Noe Padilla, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Bringing PacWave South online will help streamline the testing and permitting process that has held back marine energy for decades, an Energy Department spokesperson said in a statement. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026 He was scheduled to throw over the weekend with El Paso but was held back after tweaking his back while working between starts. — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Cunningham got up, charged Carrington and pushed her as she was held back by a teammate. — Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 Self Simulated is an obstacle-course platformer that recalls Super Meat Boy, but it's held back by controls that aren't nearly as tight and frustratingly large instant-kill hit boxes. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 22 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for held back

Verb

The favorite was Lamar Jackson, who was later hampered by injuries and finished with a career-low rushing output.

— Hannah Vanbiber, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Poor air quality and limited visibility have also hampered firefighting efforts, carried out with equipment from Japan that arrived on Thursday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of hampered

Verb

Shipping has been stifled in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's oil supply flowed prior to the war.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Hiring has been stifled in part by high uncertainty, high interest rates, high inflation and volatile policy shifts and geopolitical developments.

— Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of stifled

Verb

Ben Simmons, a former All-Star whose career has been hindered by injuries and mental health issues, is returning to the NBA as a member of the Sacramento Kings.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 4 Sep. 2026
The new decree also implements other significant changes that had already been announced, including allowing the creation of private farming businesses, a restriction that has hindered food production on the island.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of hindered

Verb

There was a clear opposition to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) implemented by the European Union, alongside other unilateral measures that members believe have impeded trade.

— Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026
The Bab el-Mandeb’s importance to global oil supplies has grown since shipping through the nearby Strait of Hormuz has been impeded by Iran during its war with the United States and Israel.

— Ahmed al-Haj, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of impeded

Verb

The thought of Margaret trapped in the skyscraper, swallowed up by flames and heat, is an overwhelming load for a mother to carry.

— Nicole Avery Nichols, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026
In recent years, Medicare Part B premiums alone, usually deducted straight from monthly Social Security checks, have swallowed much of COLA.

— Medora Lee, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of swallowed

Verb

The disclosure embarrassed senior officials, led to White House aide Scooter Libby’s conviction for perjury, later commuted, and drew intense political scrutiny.

— Brian O'Neill, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026
Clemson The Tigers were embarrassed by LSU in their season opener, but a lack of talent had nothing to do with it.

— Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of embarrassed

Verb

Yoon has defended his action, calling it a desperate attempt to draw public support for his fight against the liberal opposition Democratic Party that obstructed his agenda.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 Aug. 2026
Fake, obstructed, and missing plates are a major concern with cars and undoubtedly would be with MMVs.

— Richard Robbins, New York Daily News, 18 Aug. 2026