withhold

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

Example 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 The identity of the man is being withheld amid notifications to next of kin. Sierra Lopez, The Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2025 The names of the victims and any details that might identify them have been withheld for their protection, with pseudonyms used throughout instead. Salma Abdelaziz, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025 The group, which monitors political prisoners on the island and has long been a source for news outlets and rights groups, felt the impact when the U.S. withheld $239 million in congressional appropriations to the nonprofit National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in late January. Carmen Sesin, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2025 The federal government has already withheld millions of dollars in funding to Columbia for alleged inaction on antisemitism. Lexi Lonas Cochran, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for withhold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withhold
Verb
  • Could a visa holder refusing to refer to the Gulf of America face a similar fate as Khalil?
    Bastiaan Vanacker, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
  • According to Boasberg, Trump's Cabinet secretaries are deciding whether to refuse to provide evidence.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Defendants retain the right to attorney-client privilege, meaning confidential communications between themselves and their attorney for the purpose of seeking legal advice, while in jail or prison.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The same is true in business, where a work environment built on positive reinforcement keeps turnover low and helps retain top talent.
    Rhett Power, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In most fields workers are prone to deny a problem and even pretend to enjoy the abuse.
    James L. Edwards III, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The Idaho Senate this week approved a joint resolution to deny voters the authority to legalize cannabis through a statewide ballot initiative.
    A.J. Herrington, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In contrast, the energy transition has a long-term basis, with 2050 as the magic date of the Paris agreement to keep global temperature rise below 2 C degrees above pre-industrial times.
    Ian Dexter Palmer, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Washington — The House narrowly approved a stopgap measure Tuesday to keep the government funded through September, with Speaker Mike Johnson managing to largely keep his GOP conference united and pass the measure days ahead of a possible government shutdown.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Supreme Court Justice Roberts rejects Trump’s call for impeaching a judge who ruled against his deportation plans.
    Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Gaga rejects a string of Latin suitors — Alejandro, Fernando, Roberto — via melodies that evoke ABBA and Madonna, over a thumping beat, like Ace of Base gone EDM.
    Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • His divorce from ex-wife Anna Faris was not without drama, and he has been accused of belonging to a church that holds anti-LGBTQ views.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Despite entering the final round four shots back, McIlroy held a commanding three-shot lead on the back nine.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Columbia officials declined to comment on the pending litigation.
    Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Hynes declined to address the penalty kill after the game as not to jinx it.
    Michael Russo, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The hotel’s size, scale, and architectural signatures have been preserved, but the Veranda House now has updated ADA-compliant rooms and common spaces and new-and-improved amenities.
    Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The administration has promised that certain federal education grants, including for low-income and rural schools, would be preserved.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Withhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withhold. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on withhold

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