withhold

Synonym Chooser

How is the word withhold distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of withhold are detain, keep, reserve, and retain. While all these words mean "to hold in one's possession or under one's control," withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

When would detain be a good substitute for withhold?

The synonyms detain and withhold are sometimes interchangeable, but detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

In what contexts can keep take the place of withhold?

While in some cases nearly identical to withhold, keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

When is it sensible to use reserve instead of withhold?

The words reserve and withhold can be used in similar contexts, but reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

When might retain be a better fit than withhold?

In some situations, the words retain and withhold are roughly equivalent. However, retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

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 withhold Mike Schneider said the key to clearing his client was found in detailed records that had been withheld by Texas Child Protective Services — records that showed Gasser was telling the truth about her child’s condition and evidence that Tarrant County investigators knew it. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 July 2025 That position casts suspicion on a White House statement explaining the rationale for withholding disaster funds from Maryland. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 26 July 2025 Late last month, Violeta left the Oakland Zoo hospital to try out life with a troop of spider monkeys at a different zoo, the name of which officials are withholding until the legal case involving her surrender concludes. Stephanie O'Neill, NPR, 26 July 2025 In Habba's case, both of New Jersey's Democratic senators, Cory Booker and Andy Kim, withheld their blue slips, signaling formal opposition and preventing her nomination from moving forward through the Senate Judiciary Committee. Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for withhold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withhold
Verb
  • Yet, despite urgent calls to evacuate, numerous passengers fumble with overhead compartments, refusing to leave their carry-ons behind.
    Darlin Tillery, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
  • The ad has been slammed by some online as a Nazi-like pro-eugenics racist propaganda, while others have cheered the company and actress for refusing to apologize in the wake of social media outrage, which many view as a bad-faith take on something that’s meant to be playful.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Tiffany Stratton retained the WWE Women’s Championship over Jade Cargill in a short, but flashy match.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • But his presidency was seen as a stop-gap, a way for Putin to side-step constitutional limits and retain power.
    Tim Lister, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Or will he get lumped in with Arthur Burns, abettor of the ‘70’s inflation debacle, and be denied Hall of Fame entry.
    Bob Haber, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • Democrats have largely denied fast unanimous consent votes regarding Trump’s nominees, instead opting for roll calls.
    Olivia-Anne Cleary, Time, 3 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Excited to keep working to bring championships to LA and make Laker Nation proud.
    Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Aug. 2025
  • While relational leadership builds the foundation, entrepreneurial leadership keeps organizations agile and responsive.
    Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Turks officials, along with their counterparts in the neighboring Bahamas, rejected the idea outright, citing their own challenges with Haitian migrants.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 29 July 2025
  • Israel has strongly rejected claims that the country is perpetuating a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • And believe it or not, plenty are genuinely comfortable, holding their own against traditional footwear.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 July 2025
  • Dreck is intended to highlight that rules are not alone in the regulatory universe, and urge that policymakers recognize and be held to account for the laundering of regulation by non-rule means to influence outcomes or inflict obligations, whether intentional or not.
    Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Brown-Forman's sales declined 5% in the 2025 fiscal year, partly due to ongoing tariff disputes.
    Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • Read on to find out where home prices have declined the most over the last year.
    Andrew DePietro, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The move is framed as a necessary step to preserve the integrity of peace agreements and discourage further violations.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Withhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withhold. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on withhold

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