1
as in denying
to be unwilling to grant
must withhold official approval until all the proper forms have been submitted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Recent Examples of withholding
After participating in the investigation, Onka alleged that Dustman began withholding important information from command staff members who had criticized him or questioned department decisions.
—
Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2026
Today, rumors circulating on social media in the DRC include false claims that Ebola is not real, that humanitarian workers are descending on the area solely for their own profit and that aid groups are withholding the best care available.
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 29 May 2026
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
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland on Thursday accused 3M of withholding information about environmental risks the foam posed.
—ABC News, 28 May 2026
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland accused 3M on Thursday of withholding information about environmental risks the foam posed.
—CBS News, 28 May 2026
Hayden, who is up for reelection this year, has also faced criticism for withholding body camera footage of the fatal shooting.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 23 May 2026
Earlier this year, an intelligence sector whistleblower filed a complaint that Gabbard was withholding intelligence for political reasons, a complaint that prompted calls from Democrats for Gabbard's resignation.
—Arkansas Online, 23 May 2026
Earlier this year an intelligence sector whistleblower filed a complaint that Gabbard was withholding intelligence for political reasons, a complaint that prompted calls from Democrats for her resignation.
—Meg Kinnard, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 1 June 2026
Today, rumors circulating on social media in the DRC include false claims that Ebola is not real, that humanitarian workers are descending on the area solely for their own profit and that aid groups are withholding the best care available.
—Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 29 May 2026
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
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland on Thursday accused 3M of withholding information about environmental risks the foam posed.
—ABC News, 28 May 2026
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland accused 3M on Thursday of withholding information about environmental risks the foam posed.
—CBS News, 28 May 2026
Hayden, who is up for reelection this year, has also faced criticism for withholding body camera footage of the fatal shooting.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 23 May 2026
Earlier this year, an intelligence sector whistleblower filed a complaint that Gabbard was withholding intelligence for political reasons, a complaint that prompted calls from Democrats for Gabbard's resignation.
—Arkansas Online, 23 May 2026
Earlier this year an intelligence sector whistleblower filed a complaint that Gabbard was withholding intelligence for political reasons, a complaint that prompted calls from Democrats for her resignation.
—Meg Kinnard, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withholding
Verb
-
Why Designers Love Round Tables There's no denying that nostalgia is having a moment right now.—
Better Homes & Gardens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
5 June 2026
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There is no denying how important Manaea could be, though.—
Will Sammon,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Verb
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Taken together, the two measures highlight a growing tension in a state that prides itself on stewardship of the environment, as policymakers aim to protect threatened or endangered animals while also keeping people, pets and livestock safe.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
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Studies found little real difference, but the new patent was an effective tool for keeping generics at bay and continuing to collect monopoly profits.—
Wayne T Brough,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
Verb
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New York Knicks owner James Dolan is refusing to let go of his grudge against Charles Oakley, even with the franchise back in the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
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He was stripped of his heavyweight title and sentenced to a five-year prison term for refusing induction into the military (the Supreme Court unanimously overturned Ali’s conviction on appeal).—
Michael Cunningham,
AJC.com,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Clean streets, safe neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, and vibrant commercial corridors are essential to attracting and retaining talent and businesses.—
Mercury News Editorial Board,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
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Thomson, who was born in Ontario, Canada, played for the University of Kansas Jayhawks in the 1980s, leading the team in hits in the 1984 and 1985 seasons and retaining the school’s record for the highest single-season batting average.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Verb
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After initially rejecting a sanctuary city designation and related proposals, the council later adopted a broader resolution aimed at protecting immigrant communities.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
29 May 2026
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The act also is seen as a symbol of rejecting evil and a commemoration of the Prophet Ibrahim’s rejection of temptation when the devil tried to dissuade him from submitting to God’s will.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
27 May 2026
Verb
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The National Federation of Independent Business has warned that small businesses and consumers who rely on energy, rather than oil giants, will end up holding the bag.—
Yaël Ossowski,
Boston Herald,
30 May 2026
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Ahead of the endorsement vote, Klobuchar supporters holding batons with flashing green lights dominated the convention floor.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
30 May 2026
Verb
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Writers and reporters at the conference are learning how to improve their coverage of topics, including changes to education at the federal and state levels, the use of artificial intelligence in schools, and declining enrollment.—
Kellye Lynn,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
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As Hartford education officials work to mitigate a large budget deficit, a report from an outside firm The Connecticut State Department of Education hired to review Hartford Public Schools’ financials found that declining enrollment and decisions regarding salaries and hiring are to blame.—
Livi Stanford,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2026
Verb
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The show also includes looks that are really about preserving the performer’s face and employing subtle transformations via stubble or smaller prosthetic pieces.—
Sarah Shachat,
IndieWire,
4 June 2026
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The marker honoring Rush is the first planned for the Arkansas River Delta Blues Trail, which is a project of Arkansas Originals, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and preserving people, places and cultural traditions in the Natural State.—
Sean Clancy,
Arkansas Online,
4 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Withholding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withholding. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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