withhold

verb

with·​hold with-ˈhōld 

wit͟h-

withheld with-ˈheld 

wit͟h-

; withholding

transitive verb

1

: to hold back from action : check

2

archaic : to keep in custody

3

: to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing

withhold permission

4

: to deduct (withholding tax) from income

intransitive verb

: forbear, refrain

withhold from commenting

withholder noun

Synonyms

• decline
• deny
• disallow
• disapprove
• negative
• nix
• refuse
• reject
• reprobate

Choose the Right Synonym for withhold

keep, retain, detain, withhold, reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control.

keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Examples of withhold in a Sentence

She was accused of withholding evidence.

She has $20 withheld from her paycheck every week.

Recent Examples on the Web

The outgoing congressman ends his 24-year tenure in the House with a reputation as a chief antagonist to President-elect Donald Trump, leading the first House impeachment involving withholding aid to Ukraine in return for investigations of Hunter Biden. —Rachel Schilke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Dec. 2024

Honea said the name was being withheld because possible associates were being interviewed. —Phil Helsel, NBC News, 5 Dec. 2024

The spokesman said the victim's name is being withheld publicly pending family notification, but UnitedHealth Group confirmed Thompson as the victim. —Greg Hanlon, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024

Such videos are also crucial for the fundraising organized by Oleksandra, a conference interpreter and mother in Odesa who, like some others interviewed, asked that her last name be withheld. —Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from with from + holden to hold — more at with

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

withhold

verb

with·​hold with-ˈhōld 

wit͟h-

withheld -ˈheld  ; withholding

1

: to hold back : restrain

withhold an angry response

2

: to refuse to grant, give, or allow

withhold permission

3

: to deduct (withholding tax) from income

withholder noun