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 And while Swift’s equivalent album units figure includes streaming, Adele initially withheld 25 from streaming. Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2025 Kiley, who is having his pay withheld during the shutdown, is one of the few Republicans who have returned to Washington so far this week. David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025 The Education Department withheld $33 million in federal funding as a penalty. Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2025 About $400 million in daily compensation could be withheld, USA TODAY reported. George Petras, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for withhold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withhold
Verb
  • During one heated exchange, immigration agents who did not want to be captured on body camera footage refused to invite FBI agents along for an arrest operation, one of the sources said.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
  • According to Film Workers for Palestine, the pledge was inspired by Filmmakers United Against Apartheid, a group founded by high-profile directors such as Jonathan Demme and Martin Scorsese, which demanded that the film industry refuse to distribute work in South Africa.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Things changed in January when management announced that DuPont would retain its water business — not only to accelerate the timing of the electronics spin, but also to enhance the overall attractiveness of the remaining legacy company.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Standard whey protein powders derive their protein content from a substance called whey protein concentrate—whey protein that retains the fat and carbs of the original whey, according to Dada.
    Caroline Tien, SELF, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Both initially denied the affair, though Rimes later admitted to it.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • This is what happens when any people and their history are denied, forgotten, declared disposable.
    Kevin Powell, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Individual bulbs need to be spaced at least an inch apart, so keep that in mind when choosing the width of your container.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Such pleasurable pains, at their most chronic, or their most carnal, can keep Lang occupied for the length of a stanza.
    Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The council had already rejected Allied once before, months earlier, over settlements — including back wages — that the company has had to pay out to current and former employees.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Teachers, students, and parents alike rejected the $850 million effort.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • But as Muttaqi went about a public relations blitz in India and held talks with Indian officials, deadly clashes erupted along the Durand Line border between Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent days.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Lyon has earned the net Alex Lyon was playing his fourth game in seven days and still held steady for most of the night.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hoyer declined to speculate on whether the major-league payroll would receive a boost after Wrigley Field hosted two playoff rounds.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The sentiment has affected Gulf IPOs, which are expected to decline to their lowest level since 2021.
    Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Timberview’s Jarvis Smith intercepted a pass in the end zone on the final play to preserve the 14-14 tie heading into halftime.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2025

Cite this Entry

“Withhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withhold. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on withhold

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