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 O’Brien built a lightweight pyrex housing that was strong enough to withhold elephant tusks. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2024 But his investment firm, Trian Group, withheld its votes for Iger’s reelection to the Disney board. Todd Spangler, Variety, 25 Mar. 2024 The Sheriff’s Department continues to withhold internal records related to death investigations and other critical incidents that are investigated internally. Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Mar. 2024 Labor trafficking often appears in industries like agriculture or construction, the department said, and might involve something like someone threatening to report individuals to immigration authorities or withholding wages. Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2024 Tactics like discriminatory banking and lending practices and abuse of eminent domain laws by local and federal government have been used to withhold or take away Black Americans’ land throughout the last century. Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 22 Mar. 2024 Despite filing the standard requests for discovery from the prosecutor’s office, Kennedy said, several items were initially withheld – including cell phone records and text messages. The Enquirer, 21 Mar. 2024 Current law does not bar law enforcement officers from withholding death notifications from families, even when they are not suspected of a crime. Brian Howey, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 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

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 28 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!