withhold

verb

with·​hold with-ˈhōld How to pronounce withhold (audio)
wit͟h-
withheld with-ˈheld How to pronounce withhold (audio)
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
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 In July 2023, Mayes issued an official legal opinion stating that Horne did not have the authority to withhold funding from schools that offer dual language programs to English learners, as Horne had threatened. Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2024 The 10th Amendment states that any powers not specifically given to the federal government nor withheld from the states are reserved to those respective states or to the people at large. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 Threatening to withhold aid from Ukraine if its president wouldn’t investigate the Biden family. Reid J. Epstein, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024 Moreno's popularity largely centers around his experience as a Colombian immigrant who lived out the American dream by opening his own car dealerships, though lawsuits alleging withheld overtime pay as well as gender, age and race discrimination have led critics to question his business practices. Kyler Alvord, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024 In that ruling, the judge concluded that the access Trump’s team sought was not typically granted and that withholding the information would not hamper his ability to build a defense. Devlin Barrett, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 The disclosure protects Chevron from being accused later of withholding key information should a delay take place. David Blackmon, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 Authorities said the abuse included making the boys stand motionless for long periods of time, withholding food and water, force-feeding, and beating and strangling them. CBS News, 1 Mar. 2024 For taxation purposes, smart contracts could automatically detect risk awareness, compute and withhold the right amount of tax, while working to reduce the documentation required, simplify internal processes and minimize human error. David Marley, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

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.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of withhold was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near withhold

Cite this Entry

“Withhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withhold. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

withhold

verb
with·​hold with-ˈhōld How to pronounce withhold (audio)
wit͟h-
withheld -ˈheld How to pronounce withhold (audio) ; 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

More from Merriam-Webster on withhold

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