withhold

Synonym Chooser

How is the word withhold distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of withhold are detain, keep, reserve, and retain. While all these words mean "to hold in one's possession or under one's control," withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

When would detain be a good substitute for withhold?

The synonyms detain and withhold are sometimes interchangeable, but detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

In what contexts can keep take the place of withhold?

While in some cases nearly identical to withhold, keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

When is it sensible to use reserve instead of withhold?

The words reserve and withhold can be used in similar contexts, but reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

When might retain be a better fit than withhold?

In some situations, the words retain and withhold are roughly equivalent. However, retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

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 withhold The Star-Telegram has also reached out to the Senate’s Disbursing Office and the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer in the House seeking information about which Tarrant County lawmakers have asked that their paychecks be withheld. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2025 District leaders warned that aspects of the program—especially tutoring—may be cut due to threats from the Department of Education to withhold funding. Annabelle Canela, Parents, 7 Oct. 2025 Democrats have largely withheld votes from a short-term plan to fund the government, insisting Republicans engage with them on extending enhanced Obamacare subsidies. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025 About 750,000 federal employees ranging from workers at national parks to financial regulators could be furloughed under a shutdown, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, withholding about $400 million in daily compensation. Sudiksha Kochi, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for withhold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withhold
Verb
  • My adoptive parents had refused to allow contact or send pictures, and didn’t tell me about her attempt to communicate with us for years after the fact.
    Nicole Chung, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Federal officials refused to return him, accusing him of being a gang member, despite judges’ orders that he should be sent back to the United States.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The leaves start changing in early October in far northern Hokkaido, while in Tokyo and Kyoto, fiery maples and golden gingko can retain their color until late November/early December.
    Kristin Braswell, AFAR Media, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The service up to them has been lacking in quality, but finding a way to retain possession would be helpful.
    The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans argue Democrats want to fund health care for immigrants in the country illegally, a claim Democrats deny.
    Todd Spangler, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Once there, she was assigned a bare mattress on the floor and denied religious accommodations, including Halal meals, her lawyers said.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the 2022 and 2024 cycles, pro-Israel groups swung into Democratic primaries, spending money against progressive critics of the Jewish state and keeping several out of Congress.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Cleaning essentials, like this Shark cordless vacuum, this Black + Decker handheld vacuum, and this mop and bucket set will keep your home sparkly clean with minimal effort.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The letter also called for the return of mandatory standardized testing in university admissions and for universities to report the anonymous scores and grades of accepted and rejected students.
    Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025
  • In a June ruling, a three-judge Kansas Court of Appeals panel rejected Kobach’s arguments in no uncertain terms.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement An investigation led by the Guardian found in September that out of the 6,000 Palestinians from Gaza held by Israel since the Hamas terror attack two years ago, only one quarter were held on suspicion of militant links.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Second, ensure the whole executive team fully buys into the idea and holds others accountable for implementation.
    Adam Gale, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And some items, though limited, have seen prices decline, including Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip ice cream, Montgomery Inn’s full rack of ribs, Pringles potato chips and Red and Blue Bicycle Playing cards (though a standard deck has risen 11% in line with the overall index.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Netflix has declined to comment on Musk’s campaign.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Online, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Direct communication from the company—rather than through media spin—can help preserve confidence and reduce reputational harm.
    Tim Reynolds, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Withhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withhold. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on withhold

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