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

But what the show ends up doing is withholding empathy for its protagonist, who looks increasingly sociopathic with each death that washes over her. —Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 19 Dec. 2024

However, it was found that Nifong withheld the information. —Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 19 Dec. 2024

But the judge dismissed the case against him on the third day of proceedings after learning the prosecution withheld evidence from the defense. —Jen Juneau, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Officials at a correctional facility in south central Pennsylvania are accused of retaliating against inmates by cutting power and heat and withholding essential items such as toilet paper to entire cell blocks, according to a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 17 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