withhold

Definition of withholdnext

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 Congressional Republicans pressured local leadership, threatening to withhold millions in federal transportation funding unless the street was renamed and the mural was removed. Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 27 June 2026 Antero Resources, the payor, withheld funds. Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 The First Amendment Coalition contended that by withholding the records, the city violated the state Public Records Act as well as a portion of the state Constitution and a state law that controls which law enforcement records must legally be released. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 June 2026 On May 27, 2025, Emilie filed a lawsuit in Arizona Superior Court for Maricopa County in an effort to keep records of her toddler's death withheld from the public — including footage of the incident. Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for withhold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withhold
Verb
  • Wurth saw two more physicians who refused to discuss hormones before a urologist started her on estrogen gel, oral progesterone and a vaginal estrogen cream.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 30 June 2026
  • The man had a gun and refused to drop it when ordered to by police, the sheriff said.
    Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • The Heat began Tuesday by retaining three-point shooting forward Simone Fontecchio in free agency, and then continued to address its need for outside shooting when league-wide free agent negotiations were permitted to begin Tuesday night.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • Buildings with no air conditioning will heat up and retain the heat.
    Bill Kelly, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • His opponent claimed that created a conflict of interest, which Weiser denied.
    Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • The two housekeepers denied having such a conversation with Brown, noting language differences would have made such a discussion unlikely.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • For just $18, this set includes four cubes in different sizes, along with a shoe bag, laundry bag, and cosmetic pouch to keep every travel essential in its place.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
  • The app also offers travel guides and organizes your daily itinerary, keeping all your plans in one place.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Those seeking to stop the roundup reject almost all of the federal agencies’ claims, from the size of the herd to the notion that the horses cause ecological damage.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • While state studies have criticized the state’s education governance model, voters have rejected at least four attempts dating back to 1928 to reform the position.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Those arrested for criminal conduct must be held accountable in our court system.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026
  • The toys clanked, the players held their breath and onlookers whispered strategies on the sidelines – until a winner was crowned.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • With only a week of freedom under his belt, Cribbs said Powell is declining interviews for now, reentering the world with some trepidation.
    Andy Rose, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
  • The Padres declined comment for this column.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Behind Luka Doncic, the Lakers took care of Austin Reaves by agreeing to a four-year, $185-million contract that will be officially signed toward the end of the offseason to help the Lakers preserve maximum cap flexibility.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • But the circular rose garden has been preserved and maintained, and buds begin to bloom in May, continuing through the summer.
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Withhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withhold. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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