1
as in denies
to be unwilling to grant
must withhold official approval until all the proper forms have been submitted
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in retains
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
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Recent Examples of withholds
The episode withholds the information that the incoming stew is Ellie, notoriously explosive, competitive, and a poor receiver of feedback, until the very end.
—
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2026
Silence reclaimed Once silenced by the Islamic Republic, Googoosh now voluntarily withholds her voice in solidarity.
—Richard Nedjat-Haiem, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026
Either chamber of Congress can hold someone in contempt on criminal or civil charges with a simple majority vote if that person refuses to testify, withholds information, or obstructs a congressional inquiry, according to the American Bar Association.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2025
The lawsuit claims Uber misclassifies drivers as independent contractors to avoid accountability and withholds rider risk data.
—Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Sep. 2025
While parents were fulfilling back-to-school shopping and educators were equipping classrooms with supplies out of their own pockets, the state that withholds money from CPS was holding a hearing to find out why the district is in financial trouble.
—Stacy Davis Gates, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
The last time Berkshire requested confidentiality treatment—which withholds information from the public and allows institutional investors to build positions without tipping off the market and triggering copycat trades—was in late 2023.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Cai, who co-wrote the script with Han Nianjin, lays the sauce on thick from the get-go, but also withholds lots of key information about Meiyun and Baoshu’s mysterious connection.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 17 Feb. 2026
Silence reclaimed Once silenced by the Islamic Republic, Googoosh now voluntarily withholds her voice in solidarity.
—Richard Nedjat-Haiem, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2026
Either chamber of Congress can hold someone in contempt on criminal or civil charges with a simple majority vote if that person refuses to testify, withholds information, or obstructs a congressional inquiry, according to the American Bar Association.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2025
The lawsuit claims Uber misclassifies drivers as independent contractors to avoid accountability and withholds rider risk data.
—Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 22 Sep. 2025
While parents were fulfilling back-to-school shopping and educators were equipping classrooms with supplies out of their own pockets, the state that withholds money from CPS was holding a hearing to find out why the district is in financial trouble.
—Stacy Davis Gates, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
The last time Berkshire requested confidentiality treatment—which withholds information from the public and allows institutional investors to build positions without tipping off the market and triggering copycat trades—was in late 2023.
—Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 2025
Cai, who co-wrote the script with Han Nianjin, lays the sauce on thick from the get-go, but also withholds lots of key information about Meiyun and Baoshu’s mysterious connection.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withholds
Verb
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Gates has not been accused of any wrongdoing in connection to Epstein and denies any knowledge of Epstein's crimes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Feb. 2026
-
The Afghan Taliban denies hosting its Pakistani namesake.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The News retains full editorial control of this coverage.—
Lana Ferguson,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Feb. 2026
-
The soil retains summer warmth while cooler air temperatures reduce stress on young plants, giving them more time to establish a strong root system before the summer heat arrives.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Cutting Through Rocks is an intimate portrait of Shahverdi's fight for women's rights in a patriarchal society that refuses to acknowledge their right to exist safely and independently.—
Davi Merchan,
NPR,
4 Mar. 2026
-
At the same time, his office refuses to answer questions about the probe.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Taking an inventive approach can solve a sticky problem, while empathy keeps talks human and fair.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Mar. 2026
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Just like Oswego’s population keeps growing, so does its annual Hometown Expo.—
David Sharos,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This trend rejects rigidity in favor of free-form seating that doesn't box users in and force them into prescribed spots.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The president’s war on Iran is contrary to the Constitution and rejects safeguards in our republican federation.—
William J Watkins Jr,
Oc Register,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The approach holds science and spirituality together, recognising that each addresses a different dimension of human suffering, and that durable healing requires both.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
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What customers are saying Bearno’s Little Sicily holds a positive overall rating on Yelp, with diners highlighting consistently flavorful pizza, generous toppings and friendly, attentive service.—
Staff report,
Louisville Courier Journal,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Dolci declines to speculate on root causes, but is at pains to note that Imax has proven more resilient than the broader market, holding largely flat while the industry overall has taken a dip.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2026
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The chain, known for its soups, salads and sandwiches, is in the early stages of a turnaround, with a focus on reinvesting in its business and reversing years of traffic declines.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The Jets are so far outside of a playoff spot that Toews, who possesses a full no-movement clause, could soon be asked to pick between dreams.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
24 Feb. 2026
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The fundamental question in a democracy isn’t whether the government possesses investigative authority.—
Stephanie A,
The Conversation,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Withholds.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withholds. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.
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