Holds back WSJ Crossword Clue

By Date: JAN 3, 2026 Follow on Google

Crossword Answer

Click ? to reveal letters one by one before showing the full answer.

hint

Need a Hint? Try Solving It Yourself First

Use our Hints & Tips to uncover the answer.

Hint 1

hint

Hint 2

meaning

Hint 3

explanation
questions

Frequently Asked Questions About This Clue

The most common and recent 7-letter answer for "Holds back" is STIFLES.
The word 'stifles' means to suppress or hold back something, such as an emotion or action. The clue 'Holds back' directly relates to this definition, as stifling involves restraining or preventing something from being expressed or occurring.
This clue was last seen in the WSJ Crossword on January 03, 2026.
Stifles means to suppress or restrain something from being expressed or occurring.

The clue “Holds back” is a classic crossword staple, frequently appearing in puzzles like the WSJ crossword. For the puzzle dated January 3 2026, the definitive 7-letter answer is: STIFLES.

Expert Tip: When you’re stuck, try to analyze the structure of the clue itself. Is it a direct definition, a pun, a fill-in-the-blank, or a pop culture reference? Identifying the type of clue you’re dealing with is a key skill for improving your solving speed.

Finished the WSJ Puzzle? Check out this link for future puzzles:

Play the Official Game