1
as in denies
to be unwilling to grant
must withhold official approval until all the proper forms have been submitted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in retains
to continue to have in one's possession or power
withhold some money for your own expenses
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 withholds
With its buzzy energy and sympathetic — if bumbling — criminals, Lumet withholds crucial information from the viewer until the final portion of the film.
—
Christina Newland, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
While parents were fulfilling back-to-school shopping and educators were equipping classrooms with supplies out of their own pockets, the state that withholds money from CPS was holding a hearing to find out why the district is in financial trouble.
—Stacy Davis Gates, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
The last time Berkshire requested confidentiality treatment—which withholds information from the public and allows institutional investors to build positions without tipping off the market and triggering copycat trades—was in late 2023.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Cai, who co-wrote the script with Han Nianjin, lays the sauce on thick from the get-go, but also withholds lots of key information about Meiyun and Baoshu’s mysterious connection.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Christina Newland, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025
While parents were fulfilling back-to-school shopping and educators were equipping classrooms with supplies out of their own pockets, the state that withholds money from CPS was holding a hearing to find out why the district is in financial trouble.
—Stacy Davis Gates, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
The last time Berkshire requested confidentiality treatment—which withholds information from the public and allows institutional investors to build positions without tipping off the market and triggering copycat trades—was in late 2023.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Cai, who co-wrote the script with Han Nianjin, lays the sauce on thick from the get-go, but also withholds lots of key information about Meiyun and Baoshu’s mysterious connection.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withholds
Verb
-
Israel denies any accusations of genocide.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The incursion comes as a UN commission alleged Israel’s war in Gaza constituted genocide, accusations that Israel denies.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The soft details include a tagless design and chafe-free stitching, and the crew neck retains its shape well.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The result is a retro profile that still retains a contemporary appeal.—
Katia Damborsky,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
However, instead of caving to the demands of the USFF's powers-that-be, Cam refuses to sacrifice his soul by signing the contract and proceeds to unleash his strength on everyone involved in the demonic proceedings in an ultra-violent massacre.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Internet users are obsessed with a dog who refuses to get in the bath until her favorite song starts playing, leaving many to laud her high standards.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The Inzone Mouse-A keeps things simple.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Loafers and sweaters pack easily and can dress up casual outfits, while blazers and scarves offer layering versatility that keeps you looking sharp from museums to evening dinners abroad.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
His wife approves or rejects the content ideas as well as his daughter, who is a sophomore in high school, but Musselman has no fear of putting himself out there.—
Haley Sawyer,
Oc Register,
19 Sep. 2025
-
If the court rejects the stipulation, the case could proceed to a full hearing before the Commission.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Unrivaled, the women’s 3-on-3 basketball league founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, holds less than 900 fans at the league’s Wayfair Arena home near Miami.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Zhmo Canvas Tote Bag Finding a work bag that checks every box—fits your laptop, holds your lunch and water bottle, keeps things organized, and still looks stylish—is no small feat.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
If the Supreme Court declines review, Hernandez would face retrial unless prosecutors decide not to pursue the case further.—
Adeola Adeosun
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Sep. 2025
-
The Times’ proprietor, Patrick Soon-Shiong, now declines to support political candidates, a decision that conflicts with his community’s liberal constituency.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Still grieving the death of his wife and the imprisonment of his son, Brandis binges on booze but possesses a sharp and intuitive mind, even if his family life is in disarray.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Nebius additionally possesses a solid balance sheet.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Withholds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withholds. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share