withhold

verb

with-ˈhōld How to pronounce withhold (audio)
Definition of withholdnext
1
as in to refuse
to be unwilling to grant must withhold official approval until all the proper forms have been submitted

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to retain
to continue to have in one's possession or power withhold some money for your own expenses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Last month, President Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from the state over a transgender athlete’s participation in a sporting event. —Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 11 June 2025 The school argues that withholding funding violates the First Amendment and that the government did not follow legal procedures. —Elissa Nadworny, NPR, 10 June 2025 Since January, the agency has been forced by Trump officials to fire thousands of its workers and rescind or withhold funding from thousands of research projects. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 9 June 2025 Ceja Alvarez's attorney, Alfonso Otero, asked the public to withhold judgment in the case until all the evidence is reviewed by prosecutors. —Arkansas Online, 8 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for withhold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withhold
  1. refuse
  2. retain
  3. deny
  4. keep
  5. reject
  6. hold
  7. decline
  8. preserve
Verb
  • The second doctor refused to admit her so more tests could be done.
    — Keyaira Boone, Essence, 13 June 2025
  • The Mullahs in Tehran refused to dismantle their nuclear program.
    — Anna Commander Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Definition of refuse
Verb
  • McVay will be retained for a further period to give strategic advice to the new CEO and also lead in the short to medium term on all of Pact’s political and campaigning work.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 June 2025
  • The dilemma is how to retain the beneficial essence of CEQA while dealing with the downsides.
    — Daniel Yost, Mercury News, 16 June 2025
Definition of retain
Verb
  • New York has been denied permission to speak with multiple sitting head coaches, including Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks, who used to coach Jalen Brunson.
    — Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • In 2022, Republic, which Bedford has helmed since 1999, requested that be halved to 750 hours, which the FAA denied.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 16 June 2025
Definition of deny
Verb
  • Then, use your human connection skills to foster collaboration, resolve conflict, and keep people aligned, motivated, and moving forward. Adaptability.
    — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • Other demonstrators have kept their plans in Washington on the day of the parade, with some fearing a crackdown like the response to protests against widescale deportations in Los Angeles.
    — Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 15 June 2025
Definition of keep
Verb
  • But judges reviewing other eligibility cases have rejected this interpretation as construing Alston beyond its actual words.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 June 2025
  • The Dolphins have maintained contact with veteran free agent cornerback Rasul Douglas, who rejected a Miami offer earlier this month.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
Definition of reject
Verb
  • Toothless holds his own alongside Hiccup, even as the actor appears in what look more like sets than bona fide locations.
    — Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • The Angels held the third-worst batting average (.229) and fourth-worst on-base percentage (.301) in MLB a year ago.
    — Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
Definition of hold
Verb
  • The April 11 ruling came during a hearing in Maryland, where a Justice Department attorney declined to provide basic details about Abrego Garcia’s whereabouts.
    — Chantelle Lee, Time, 7 June 2025
  • Travis' declining mental health began to affect his parenting, which led Whitney to limit Travis' visitation, per a September 2024 court filing reviewed by PEOPLE.
    — Nicole Acosta, People.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of decline
Verb
  • Heck, the Dodgers used this strategy in the World Series last season, letting Brent Honeywell get rocked in Game 4, their only loss, to preserve the bullpen.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
  • This estate — with 11 bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms and 5 half bathrooms — has meticulously preserved craftsmanship and architectural details from the 1920s design.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2025
Definition of preserve

Phrases Containing withhold

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withheld (from)
withhold
withhold (from)
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Cite this Entry

“Withhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withhold. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of withhold for Spanish Speakers

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