Definitions

pent-up

[pent-uhp] / ˈpɛntˈʌp /

ADJECTIVE

held within

Synonyms

STRONGEST

repressed stifled suppressed

WEAK

bottled-up bridled checked constrained curbed held in check held-back inhibited restrained restricted smothered

Antonyms

WEAK

public released

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“It’s not as simple as supply and demand because there’s plenty of pent-up demand,” Hoult said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

Their unpermitted April 2021 show at Lafayette Park in Westlake, publicized through social media and word of mouth, drew thousands of pent-up punks and kids looking for somewhere to go during the shutdown.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2026

“There was a kind of pent-up demand for a modicum of good news,” said Phil Blancato, chief market strategist at Osaic.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

“Then you’ve got all this pent-up demand from years of pretty high interest rates,” he adds.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

I could feel the bigness of it and the unknownness of it and a pent-up tension—whether of tears or anger, I couldn't tell.

From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison