Synonyms for hold back
Definitions
- v. 1
To act with reserve; to contain one's full measure or power.
Don't hold back. Hit it as hard as you can.
- v. 2
To contain; stop.
The dam can't hold back that much water.
- v. 3
To delay the progress of, especially in school.
He's a year older than his classmates, because he was held back in second grade.
Choose the right word
To restrain is to hold back from acting, proceeding, or advancing, either by physical or moral force.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- keep The cold weather may keep the plants from budding.
- retain If you use a computer, you can retain information.
- restrain We tried to restrain him from his reckless action.
- arrest You're under arrest for the murder of Tom Jackson.
By length
- 4 letters
- keep1, stop1, stay1, wait1, hold1, curb1
- 5 letters
- check1
- 6 letters
- arrest2, retain2, detain2, stifle2
- 7 letters
- contain2, refrain2, conceal2, repress2, forbear
- 8 letters
- suppress2, restrain2, withhold2
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (arrest2 = 2 syllables).