WITHHOLDING Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

withholding

verb

present participle of withhold

as in denying

to be unwilling to grant must withhold official approval until all the proper forms have been submitted

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in keeping

to continue to have in one's possession or power withhold some money for your own expenses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of withholding That way, you can never be blamed for withholding anything from him. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026 Comey’s lawyers are pressing to have the case dismissed, accusing the department of misleading judges, submitting documents containing false statements and withholding key facts. — Alanna Durkin Richer, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026 Rumors claim that the virus is a hoax, that health workers are profiting from the outbreak or that hospitals are withholding lifesaving treatments. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 Leaders should avoid overstating future opportunities, underestimating risks or withholding information that could later create friction. — Amit Jain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Barnes did not disclose the online platforms used for the operation, saying that withholding the information is necessary to protect undercover operations like Operation Cyber Shield in other jurisdictions. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026 While Miller sought to exonerate himself of withholding the bunny by releasing the messages, his post faced backlash. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026 Officials have not released the person's identity or age and are withholding further information until the person's family is notified. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Two Republican senators are withholding their support for Blanche due to the Department of Justice's deal with the president to end his IRS lawsuit. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withholding

Verb

Pinch-runner Sung-Mun Song scored that winner with a deft headfirst slide, denying Sanchez’s tag attempt after a good (but high) throw from rookie right fielder Luis Lara one play after Lara denied Jackson Merrill’s a game-winning extra-base hit.

— Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Mike Lindell, MyPillow CEO and amplifier of the most absurd of MAGA’s many election-denying claims, was defeated convincingly in his bid for the GOP nomination for governor.

— The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of denying

Verb

And that doesn’t count other Navy demands on the carrier fleet, like exercises with allies or keeping a presence in the Indo-Pacific, Parker said.

— Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
His machines cut six acres a day, continuously keeping South Farms’ lawns neat.

— Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of keeping

Verb

Colombia has begun receiving international aid and rescuers after initially refusing some offers in the crucial hours following Monday’s devastating earthquake.

— Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
They have been used to subdue violent suspects who are refusing to get into squad cars and inmates who are harming themselves and threatening officers, according to Compliant Technologies.

— CBS News, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of refusing

Verb

Protecting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is essential to ensuring America can continue recruiting and retaining the public servants our communities depend on.

— Verna L. Williams, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
For now, sister station KOLA is retaining its air staff; KOLA is one of the most successful stations in the IE.

— Richard Wagoner, Daily News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of retaining

Verb

Following fan outcry, Warners then decided to explore offers to sell it, only to — after rejecting various bids — seemingly take it off the market.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026
Thurmond offered only a brief explanation for rejecting the appeal, leaving the decision somewhat at odds with the state’s separate finding that the teachers agreement would have improved the district’s financial position.

— Chaewon Chung August 11, Sacbee.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of rejecting

Verb

In the video circulating on social media, a young woman holding a child is shoved in the face by an officer.

— Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Pinching and holding both buds at the same time activates a new Audio Snapshot mode that records phone call audio or incoming sound and syncs it to the Nothing X app.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of holding

Verb

High schools should begin with phone-free classes while preserving access during lunch and passing periods.

— Kavin Bendre, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
If there is no stopping, retired park superintendent Bob Krumenaker said what could happen in Big Bend would rival the flooding of Hetch Hetchy Valley a century ago, an event that changed arguments about preserving the environment.

— Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026