withheld 1 of 2

withheld

2 of 2

verb

past tense of withhold

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 withheld
Adjective
The withheld funding supports election monitoring, independent media and other pro-democracy programs abroad. Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Aug. 2025
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 The opera company claims it is owed millions in donations that have been withheld. Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026 Portions of the Freedom of Information Act response were withheld on the basis of an ongoing investigation. Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 For example, child support garnishments can result in a substantial portion of benefits being withheld, while federal tax levies and student loan collections are typically subject to different limitations. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 June 2026 Especially when Democrats have controlled the House, the Congressional Black Caucus has withheld its vote in order to make policy changes, said Christian Grose, a University of Southern California political science professor. Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 8 June 2026 For example, prosecutors alleged that Kapoor withheld payroll taxes from employees but failed to turn that money over to the government, effectively stealing from his own employees. Jay Weaver june 6, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026 In 2013, Southern Stars players were blackmailed into obeying instructions by having their salaries withheld. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 June 2026 Even if the previously Bass endorsing Raman withheld support for the Mayor, the bulk of her vote would surely go to the incumbent. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withheld
Adjective
  • General Manager Ken Holland hinted at potentially being done after trading center Phillip Danault for a draft pick in December and acquiring Panarin at a suppressed price in February, though he has been known to under-promise often and, sometimes, over-deliver.
    Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Supervising sound editor Alastair Sirkett told IndieWire that Peter Claffey’s big, former-rugby-player frame really helps that moment sing with suppressed panic.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But ever since Hay filed his civil suit against Combs, the musician’s attorneys have fiercely denied his allegations.
    Elizabeth Wagmeister, CNN Money, 11 June 2026
  • Boats arriving from Haiti’s seaports will soon be required to operate under enhanced security measures or risk being denied entry into the United States.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • According to the staff report, data is retained for a maximum of one year unless part of an active investigation, and annual audits are conducted to verify compliance with privacy policies.
    Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 June 2026
  • In hiring Jeffrey Kessler, Sorsby has retained a top sports litigator for his case against the NCAA.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 8 June 2026
Adjective
  • In her early public appearances, she was often seen with her head bowed and her gaze upward, a posture that, alongside her soft-spoken demeanor, led the British press to characterize her as timid and reserved.
    Elle Meier, InStyle, 13 June 2026
  • Also not helping matters is Center Rep’s rather reserved staging of the show.
    Charles Lewis III, Mercury News, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • The British newspaper reported that Hockney is believed to have turned down a knighthood on several occasions and is said to have once refused an invitation to paint the late Queen Elizabeth.
    Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
  • At multiple locations blocks from the Garden, crowds refused numerous verbal commands to disperse, police said.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 12 June 2026
Verb
  • Despite some wage growth, incomes haven’t kept pace with persistent inflation.
    Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 14 June 2026
  • But somehow, the Valkyries went cold and the Storm kept fighting.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Kentucky lawmakers will likely let our columnist Joe Gerth down again by overriding the veto of a bill that would allow 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds to carry concealed guns.
    Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Watch it for its skin-deep enticement, its powerful visual devices, but also its concealed malignancy.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In May 2023, Quiñones rejected a call-up to the national team, however, and began playing for Mexico later that year.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 12 June 2026
  • But initial attempts to send her to Tahiti, a French dependency, about 1,350 miles — or a 30-hour sea journey — from Pitcairn, were rejected by French Polynesian authorities.
    Matthew Lee, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Withheld.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withheld. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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