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

Relevance

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

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 His name was withheld pending the notification of relatives. —

David Lyons, Sun Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2025 Critics Call Workers Indentured Servants Governor Gavin Newsom called for a special session of the state legislators to tackle a range of issues, including protecting immigrant families, and safeguarding civil rights, in the face of threats to withhold federal funding. —

Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 Several House Republicans have continued to withhold support for the Louisiana Republican despite the stamp of approval from the president-elect. —

Emily Brooks, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for withhold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withhold

Verb

Anti-natalists, however, refuse to equate children with a stake in the future.

Jack Jiang, The Conversation, 8 Jan. 2025
Trump initially refused to approve federal aid to California for wildfires in 2018 until a National Security Council staffer showed him that Orange County had a dense concentration of voters who supported him, according to Politico.

Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025