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
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
But Cooper isn't holding back anymore.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 28 Oct. 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 New York Jets are 0-6, and their star receiver is not holding back his frustrations.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 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
His unwillingness to name a successor is fueling fears of impending political chaos, World Politics Review said, and arguably holding back progress in the country.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025
The Queen of Wands shows up to encourage you to embody your charisma, creativity, and leadership without holding back.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
But Cooper isn't holding back anymore.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 28 Oct. 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 New York Jets are 0-6, and their star receiver is not holding back his frustrations.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 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
His unwillingness to name a successor is fueling fears of impending political chaos, World Politics Review said, and arguably holding back progress in the country.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025
The Queen of Wands shows up to encourage you to embody your charisma, creativity, and leadership without holding back.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding back
Verb
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An Illinois Democratic congressional candidate posted video to social media that appears to depict events described in a federal indictment accusing her of impeding Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.—
Michael Ruiz , Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
30 Oct. 2025
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What To Know The 600 nurses, who are represented by the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU), claim the management of their hospital is impeding their ability to retain experienced healthcare workers.—
Lauren Giella,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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And since the deal, Israel has refused to reengage with the agency, hampering large-scale relief efforts.—
Jeremy Konyndyk,
Foreign Affairs,
23 Oct. 2025
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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
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Relieve Compaction Excessive traffic on a lawn causes the soil particles in the turf’s root zone to press more closely together, hindering access to water, nutrients, and oxygen.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Oct. 2025
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Can what’s hindering the Chargers’ defense be fixed in only a matter of days?—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The White House’s efforts to centralize federal grantmaking, restrict free speech, erase public data and expand surveillance mirror China’s successful playbook for building scientific capacity while suppressing dissent.—
Kenneth M. Evans,
The Conversation,
3 Nov. 2025
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The basic idea is that oxidative stress is a signal that tells your body to adapt and get stronger, so suppressing that signal by taking antioxidants results in less training adaptation.—
Alex Hutchinson,
Outside,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Staying hydrated is the most important part of care, since mouth sores can make swallowing painful and dehydration can develop quickly in young children.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
29 Oct. 2025
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These symptoms include rash, itching, respiratory trouble, swollen tongue, trouble swallowing and chest tightness.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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The New York Mets fell short of the postseason in embarrassing fashion last season, so this offseason is going to be more important than ever.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 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 5 Nov. 2025.
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