1
as in impeding
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 stifling
to refrain from openly showing or uttering
held back her tears until she was alone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of holding back
And even if the Senate and House fully fund NOAA, Sokich said the administration could continue holding back the funds.
—
Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Honest conversations are also unavoidable, especially for those of you who have been holding back your true feelings.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Firms that had stayed disciplined during the post-pandemic liquidity rush — holding back from inflated valuations and cheap leverage — are the ones outperforming, according to Bae.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
Butler, who appeared to be holding back tears, listened quietly as officers explained the purpose of their visit.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Clarke, executive director of the security research nonprofit The Soufan Center, says authorities may be holding back details to protect a potential prosecution.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
This chasm exposes the fragmentation that’s holding back European innovation.
—Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
There is zero selfishness to his game, no holding back to prevent injury.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
The precise mechanics now accepted as holding back player development in the States — the pay-to-play model at youth level, the limitations of MLS — were not really considered.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Honest conversations are also unavoidable, especially for those of you who have been holding back your true feelings.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Firms that had stayed disciplined during the post-pandemic liquidity rush — holding back from inflated valuations and cheap leverage — are the ones outperforming, according to Bae.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2025
Butler, who appeared to be holding back tears, listened quietly as officers explained the purpose of their visit.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Clarke, executive director of the security research nonprofit The Soufan Center, says authorities may be holding back details to protect a potential prosecution.
—Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
This chasm exposes the fragmentation that’s holding back European innovation.
—Jan Hammer, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
There is zero selfishness to his game, no holding back to prevent injury.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025
The precise mechanics now accepted as holding back player development in the States — the pay-to-play model at youth level, the limitations of MLS — were not really considered.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding back
Verb
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Polls previously found Abughazaleh in second place in the Democratic primary, but her run could be complicated by a federal indictment for impeding an ICE operation in Chicago.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Nov. 2025
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Previously, his arguments have been focused largely on moderating inflation and the importance of the Fed not impeding economic growth with higher rates.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The space was stifling in the Louisiana heat, so fans were blowing for everyone inside.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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Like the face-to-face collaboration benefits lost at GISS, employees fear shutting down Goddard's cafeteria will be stifling.—
Josh Dinner,
Space.com,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
And since the deal, Israel has refused to reengage with the agency, hampering large-scale relief efforts.—
Jeremy Konyndyk,
Foreign Affairs,
23 Oct. 2025
-
With injuries and inconsistency hampering the wide receiver corps, the Commanders are set to host former Tennessee Titans first-round draft pick Treylon Burks.—
Josh Buckhalter,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Numerous people continued to protest outside the farm’s fences, and CFIA has warned the farm’s supporters from hindering government operations, or flying drones over the site.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
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Insufficient domestic funding is hindering education progress in Africa as most governments fail to meet global funding benchmarks, wrote Human Rights Watch.—
Obiageli Ezekwesili,
semafor.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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As Charlotte explains, barely suppressing her resentment, Leroy is concerned that her commitment to the cause could stall his ascent at work.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
-
The damage from Biden’s inner circle suppressing her achievements and letting negative narratives run wild was done.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
When To Seek Medical Care Things like fizzy drinks, overeating, or swallowing air can cause bloating.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Signs of botulism include difficulty swallowing or breathing, slurred speech and muscle weakness.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Still, the former University of Miami standout did not want to be dealt, even publicly stating that just hours after the Dolphins’ embarrassing 28-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
3 Nov. 2025
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For French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, the heist spotlights embarrassing security failings at one of France’s most venerable institutions.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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On the first goal in question, Lohrei could have gotten a little more help from Tanner Jeannot in tying up Jonah Gadjovich’s stick, but AJ Greer beat Lohrei to the loose puck and then Jeremy Swayman to the shortside.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
22 Oct. 2025
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Djerf admitted to tying up Patricia and Damien Luna, who were the only ones at home.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Holding back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/holding%20back. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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