as in limiting
to set bounds or an upper limit for efforts to hold down taxes keep running up against the legislature's ingrained unwillingness to cut spending
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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 holding down Although Purdy is holding down the starting position and Mac Jones is entering the second and final year of a cheap backup contract, the players behind them are unproven. —
Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026 In Normal, our guy plays Ulysses, a substitute sheriff who’s just holding down the fort for a few weeks until a new sheriff can be elected after the old one passed away under strange circumstances. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026 In a picture posted to animal control’s Facebook page, two strips of tape can be seen holding down the top of the bin. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026 Yeah, no one was holding down her legs. —Peter Larsen, Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026 But caretaking responsibilities can make holding down a full-time job challenging, especially for people caring for older adults and raising children at the same time. —Cathy Bussewitz, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026 The progressive People's Party, which had been tipped to win the most seats, was holding down second place with 116 seats. —Grant Peck, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026 The Rose Bowl will remain a College Football Playoff quarterfinal for the next two seasons — and likely the four after that — holding down its traditional spot as the afternoon anchor of the New Year’s Day lineup. —Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026 Soft demand is holding down revenue at Union Pacific and CSX. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 29 Jan. 2026
Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 23 Apr. 2026 In Normal, our guy plays Ulysses, a substitute sheriff who’s just holding down the fort for a few weeks until a new sheriff can be elected after the old one passed away under strange circumstances. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026 In a picture posted to animal control’s Facebook page, two strips of tape can be seen holding down the top of the bin. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2026 Yeah, no one was holding down her legs. —Peter Larsen, Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026 But caretaking responsibilities can make holding down a full-time job challenging, especially for people caring for older adults and raising children at the same time. —Cathy Bussewitz, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026 The progressive People's Party, which had been tipped to win the most seats, was holding down second place with 116 seats. —Grant Peck, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026 The Rose Bowl will remain a College Football Playoff quarterfinal for the next two seasons — and likely the four after that — holding down its traditional spot as the afternoon anchor of the New Year’s Day lineup. —Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026 Soft demand is holding down revenue at Union Pacific and CSX. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for holding down
Verb
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Acting Director Nick Anderson testified that staffing has dropped to roughly 40%, sharply limiting the agency's ability to monitor threats and conduct outreach.— Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026
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Elsa Mendoza has multiple sclerosis, limiting her travel options.— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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While backing legislation restricting AI use in hiring and education, Pritzker’s administration has implemented internal rules dictating how state employees and contractors may use the technology.— Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
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The Boston City Council defeated a resolution last month, by a 9-3 vote, that sponsors Ed Flynn and Julia Mejia said sought to uphold state law restricting alcohol at public school facilities.— Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Holding down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/holding%20down. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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