Synonyms of withhold

withhold

verb

with-ˈhōld 

1

as in to refuse

to be unwilling to grant

must withhold official approval until all the proper forms have been submitted

Synonyms & Similar Words

• refuse
• deny
• reject
• decline
• disallow
• disapprove
• forbid
• negative
• prohibit
• restrict
• veto
• keep
• enjoin
• proscribe
• nix
• restrain
• reprobate
• ban
• hold
• check
• spurn
• repel
• constrain
• repress
• hinder
• impede
• obstruct
• curb
• rebuff
• balk (at)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• permit
• let
• provide
• allow
• grant
• give
• furnish
• afford
• concede
• supply
• authorize
• OK
• license
• agree (to)
• warrant
• consent (to)
• sanction
• acquiesce
• commission
• accede (to)
• accord
• assent (to)
• vouchsafe

2

as in to retain

to continue to have in one's possession or power

withhold some money for your own expenses

Synonyms & Similar Words

• retain
• keep
• hold
• preserve
• possess
• save
• reserve
• have
• protect
• conserve
• hold on to
• enjoy
• guard
• hang on to
• own
• manage
• control
• boast
• direct
• rule
• detain
• cherish
• treasure
• command
• cling (to)
• hug
• harbor
• bear

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• yield
• relinquish
• release
• give
• surrender
• abandon
• give up
• contribute
• drop
• donate
• reject
• discard
• cede
• dump
• hand over
• lose
• decline
• repudiate
• hand out
• spurn

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

Recent Examples of withhold

At a time when the DNC, under his leadership, appears to be nearly insolvent, multiple Democratic donors are reportedly withholding contributions because of Martin’s handling of the report. —Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 29 May 2026

Blanche said many documents were withheld to protect victim privacy, which is permitted under the transparency law. —Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 29 May 2026

His name is being withheld pending family notification. —Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026

Garcia and Comer both confirmed Friday that lawmakers will ask the former attorney general about the Justice Department’s decision to withhold some materials in the Epstein files from the public. —Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026

Phrases Containing withhold

• withhold (from)