WITHHOLD Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

withhold

verb

with-ˈhōld

Definition of withhold next

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

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

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of withhold McBurney ruled that Willis had violated the Open Records Act (ORA) by failing to turn over the records or informing Judicial Watch of her decision to withhold some or all of the records. —

Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024 Former Correction Commissioner Louis Molina was accused last year of ordering his team to withhold critical information about jail conditions from the federal monitor tasked with inspecting the city’s progress on the 2015 decree provisions. —

Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 27 Nov. 2024 Information regarding his health status have also been withheld due to patient confidentiality laws. —

Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024 The woman’s identity is being withheld until her next of kin has been notified, according to police. —

Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for withhold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withhold

Verb

The most memorable productions may have involved classics of one kind or another, but these works were reborn in stagings that refused to play it safe.

Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024
China has labeled Lai a separatist and refuses to engage in dialogue with him, further increasing hostilities.

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024