WITHHOLDING Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

withholding

verb

present participle of withhold

as in denying

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

as in keeping

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

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 withholding Oceanside is withholding the exact location where the fossils were found due to public safety concerns and to preserve the site’s integrity. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 Other outlets, like the New York Times, have protested the ban in other ways, like withholding their use of images from the White House. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 22 Sep. 2026 Reiner’s attorneys argue that withholding the trust funds prevents him from using his own money to retain counsel and experts while his criminal case is pending. — Danielle Bacher, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026 But the thing about Michael that everybody really seems to be hung up on, and rightfully so, is the story about him buying Vicki an engagement ring and then withholding it based on her behavior. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026 In addition to withholding their names for safety reasons, the highway patrol asked the Monitor not to photograph faces of federal agents or arrestees. — Sarah Matusek, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Sep. 2026 Blanche said some records remain classified for legitimate national security reasons but rejected the suggestion that the government is withholding material to shield another country. — Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026 Some involve withholding an inhaler from a child who needs it, while others show allergic children forced to eat shellfish. — Jon Christian, Futurism, 9 Sep. 2026 Instead of punishing undesirable behavior by withholding money, buycotts encourage consumers to reward companies by spending with a purpose. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withholding

Verb

In addition to denying Moore’s motion to vacate the arbitration award, Carter granted a motion by the WTA Tour, which was represented by Bradley Ruskin and other attorneys from Proskauer Rose, to confirm the award.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026
The case stemmed from a former University of Arizona professor who sued the school for denying and delaying his records requests.

— Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Definition of denying

Verb

Russia has repeatedly hit Ukrainian trains, shopping malls, supermarkets and gas stations, among other sites, keeping civilians on edge.

— HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
Rain chances should decrease Sunday, but showers could linger into early next week if a nor’easter remains off the Atlantic coast, keeping temperatures cooler.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of keeping

Verb

The news comes amid ongoing tensions as the war in Iran persists, with Trump refusing a deal with Iran to open the Strait as recently as Saturday, impacting the world's oil supply.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
In September 1644, Suffolk housewife Thomasine Stott was arrested for refusing to go to her state church.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of refusing

Verb

The former special counsel also cited former Vice President Mike Pence, who refused to go along with a plan to overturn the results of the 2020 election by rejecting the electoral votes of battleground states that Biden won.

— Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Throughout this same time, Rasheed Wallace and Jerry Stackhouse also continued to wear the Air Force 1 High sneakers while playing in the NBA — rejecting modern technology in favor for in-game footwear that was already two decades old.

— Olivia Cigliano, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of rejecting

Verb

Some Utah Valley officials expressed reservations about holding the event in an outdoor space with tall buildings around, but ultimately allowed the event to proceed.

— MICHAEL R. SISAK, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
Some university officials expressed reservations about holding the event in an outdoor space with tall buildings around, but ultimately allowed the event to proceed.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of holding

Verb

Compared to the rapidly declining number of referrals from traditional search engines — which once numbered in the tens of millions — these AI clicks are a tiny drop in the bucket.

— Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 24 Sep. 2026
North Central President Abiódún Gòkè-Paríolá said he was thrilled by the enrollment numbers, especially as colleges across the country are grappling with a declining high school graduate population.

— Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of declining

Verb

Baseball’s labor pool cannot meet modern Wall Street tactics with a 1970s financial strategy; creating institutional liquidity is essential to preserving player leverage.

— Chris Koras, Sportico.com, 28 Sep. 2026
John Jairo Suarez Alegria, represented by Juan De Jesus Gonzalez, pleaded not guilty to six charges and agreed to remain detained for now, preserving his right to seek a detention hearing later.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026