she kept back some of the money : (KEEP IN) RESERVE, put by/aside, set aside; retain, hold back, keep, hold on to, not part with; N. Amer. set by; informal stash away.
she kept back the details : CONCEAL, keep secret, keep hidden, withhold, suppress, keep quiet about.
she could hardly keep back her tears : SUPPRESS, stifle, choke back, fight back, hold back/in, repress, keep in check, contain, smother, swallow, bite back.
2192; headword