Search Dictionary
Definition of beholden

beholden

/bɪˈhoʊl.dən/
be · hold · en
JUMP TO:

beholden Lexical Profile

beholden Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Owing thanks or having a moral or financial duty to someone in return for help, a favor, or a service.

Example

"The independent newspaper refused corporate sponsorships so that its journalists would never feel beholden to wealthy advertisers."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for beholden
Antonyms
View all antonyms for beholden

Word Nuance & Usage

"Beholden" is strictly a predicate adjective in modern English (almost always followed by the preposition "to"), meaning it is used after a linking verb rather than directly before a noun.

• Rhymes for beholden

• Nearby Words

behest
behind
behold
beholden
beholder
behoove
bei

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English "biholden," the original past participle of the verb "behold" (from Old English "bihaldan," meaning "to hold, keep, or observe"), preserving the older sense of being bound or held under obligation.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Beholden. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/beholden
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.