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 Johnson applauds Harris' commitment to hire 14,000 behavioral health care workers in U.S. schools and warns of Trump's statements on withholding federal funding to schools that teach about the history of slavery. —

Monica Eng, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 The name of the officer who brought the complaint was withheld from the records. —

Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024 Mayo convinced Walz to help kill bills by threatening to withhold billions in investments. —

Max Nesterak, ProPublica, 31 Oct. 2024 The Teamsters, one of the country’s largest labor unions, chose not to endorse Trump’s opponent and instead withheld a presidential endorsement for the first time in nearly 30 years. —

Sarah Bedford, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for withhold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withhold

Verb

The surviving victim of the shooting initially provided some information to police, but after recovering from his injuries denied any knowledge of who shot him and refused to cooperate, authorities said.

Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
Vice President Kamala Harris refused to accept any responsibility for the inflation that has devastated the middle-class and lower-income groups.

Richard Stacy, The Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2024