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 of withhold in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Having withheld access, the president comes across as lifeless. —

Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2024 Second, Catherine’s side of the story is strategically withheld until the last minute, a decision that fails to generate suspense while still taking a toll on the character. —

Alison Herman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2024 Boeing has admitted responsibility for the fatal crashes, and that its employees withheld information about the design flaw from the FAA during certification. —

Chris Isidore, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024 The claim: Biden refused to deploy 82nd Airborne Division as of Oct. 3 An Oct. 3 Threads post (direct link, archive link) claims President Joe Biden withheld aid from those affected by Hurricane Helene. —

Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for withhold

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'withhold.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.