withhold

verb

with·​hold with-ˈhōld 

wit͟h-

withheld with-ˈheld 

wit͟h-

; withholding

transitive verb

1

: to hold back from action : check

2

archaic : to keep in custody

3

: to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing

withhold permission

4

: to deduct (withholding tax) from income

intransitive verb

: forbear, refrain

withhold from commenting

withholder noun

Synonyms of withhold

• refuse
• deny
• reject
• decline

Choose the Right Synonym for withhold

keep, retain, detain, withhold, reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control.

keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Examples of withhold in a Sentence

She was accused of withholding evidence.

She has $20 withheld from her paycheck every week.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Governor's office applies pressure The governor's office has accused Dallas of violating a cooperation agreement and is threatening to withhold millions in state funding unless the city changes its policies. —Robbie Owens, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026

On the second day of his July 2024 trial, his criminal defense attorneys — Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro — presented evidence that prosecutors and sheriff’s deputies withheld evidence that may have helped his defense . —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2026

Ron Gubitz, executive director of the Music Artists Coalition, which counts Don Henley and Meghan Trainor among its board members, says musicians want to know how their work is being used, to be able to withhold consent and to be fairly paid. —Steven Melendez, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2026

The crony capitalism of Orban’s network of associates — and the spending of taxpayer and EU funds on pet projects in his hometown — painted a picture of corruption and caused Brussels to withhold billions of euros in support. —Lionel Laurent, Twin Cities, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from with from + holden to hold — more at with

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for withhold

• ahold
• behold
• billfold
• blindfold
• cajoled
• consoled
• controlled
• cotswold
• eightfold
• enfold
• enrolled
• extolled

Kids Definition

withhold

verb

with·​hold with-ˈhōld 

wit͟h-

withheld -ˈheld  ; withholding

1

: to hold back : restrain

withhold an angry response

2

: to refuse to grant, give, or allow

withhold permission

3

: to deduct (withholding tax) from income

withholder noun