withhold

1 of 2

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

withholder

2 of 2

noun

with·​hold·​er

-də(r)

: one that withholds

Synonyms of withhold

Verb

• 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

Verb

She was accused of withholding evidence.

She has $20 withheld from her paycheck every week.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Thousands of fishermen are trapped on these boats, their passports withheld, wages docked, and basic medical care denied. —Nicole F. Roberts, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

These smugglers charge thousands of euros a person and often force their passengers into prostitution or other forms of black market labor by withholding their documents to pay off the debt. —ABC News, 12 June 2026

The measure is designed to prevent landlords from punishing tenants who exercise their legal rights, including filing complaints, joining tenant unions, withholding rent for serious issues, or speaking publicly about unsafe housing. —Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 12 June 2026

But Spielberg and Universal continue to withhold details about Sister Maura. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 12 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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