1
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
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
James said the administration has not provided evidence of fraud or misuse of child care funding in New York, while ignoring the standard processes for withholding such funds.
—
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
In November 2025, a federal judge temporarily barred the government from withholding funding from the University of California.
—Noe Padilla, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Judge Sid Harle on Wednesday denied the defense request for a mistrial after defense attorneys accused prosecutors of withholding key information that was revealed during testimony on Tuesday.
—Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2026
Authorities were withholding the name of the person killed pending confirmation of their identity and notification of their next of kin.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
The administration is also withholding funds meant for California, Colorado, Minnesota and New York.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Police said the victim was a man from Berkeley but are withholding his name pending notification of next of kin.
—Tim Fang, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026
Murphy also said Republican lawmakers with the House fraud committee are withholding whistler blower tips from investigators.
—Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025
At the end of July, the SSA began withholding 50% of monthly benefits from individuals with outstanding overpayments.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 31 Dec. 2025
Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2026
In November 2025, a federal judge temporarily barred the government from withholding funding from the University of California.
—Noe Padilla, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Judge Sid Harle on Wednesday denied the defense request for a mistrial after defense attorneys accused prosecutors of withholding key information that was revealed during testimony on Tuesday.
—Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 7 Jan. 2026
Authorities were withholding the name of the person killed pending confirmation of their identity and notification of their next of kin.
—Jason Green, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
The administration is also withholding funds meant for California, Colorado, Minnesota and New York.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
Police said the victim was a man from Berkeley but are withholding his name pending notification of next of kin.
—Tim Fang, CBS News, 2 Jan. 2026
Murphy also said Republican lawmakers with the House fraud committee are withholding whistler blower tips from investigators.
—Mary Murphy, Twin Cities, 31 Dec. 2025
At the end of July, the SSA began withholding 50% of monthly benefits from individuals with outstanding overpayments.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 31 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withholding
Verb
-
The Indonesian government cited security and safety concerns for denying the visas, but an Israel Gymnastics Federation (IGF) spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that the country's security team gave clearance to its athletes.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
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The township's planning commission voted in late September to recommend denying rezoning for the project, which still must go before the county planning commission and township board.—
Keith Matheny,
Freep.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Bure is keeping her faith — and her Christmas crown — shining bright.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Martin legitimately pinned the Saints’ offense on almost every drive in the first half, keeping the game close, even with New Orleans leading at halftime.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Wisconsin faithful stayed put, drenched and delirious, as if refusing to let the night slip away like so many before it.—
Ira Gorawara,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
In the meantime, the day-to-day work is on us—looking at our money honestly, making strategic moves, and refusing to let an unfair system keep us from building something better for ourselves and the next generation.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The signature lumber is low-maintenance and resists staining, fading, and retaining moisture — even in coastal and harsh climates.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
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The contemporary hull is designed to maximize openness while retaining a close connection with water.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Two in 5 Gen Zers are pursuing blue-collar work, rejecting the collegiate path and learning trades, according to a May 2025 survey of 1,434 young adults by Resume Builder.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
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And the British nations, as ever, remained aloof, England rejecting a late offer to step in for Austria.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Jeff Bezos holding the device high.—
Andrew Nusca,
Fortune,
10 Nov. 2025
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This loss had to be especially tough for the Jayhawks, considering a controversial holding call on KU changed the momentum of the game.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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According to the company, the declining profits stemmed from low drug reimbursement rates and slow retail sales.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
After all, there are signs that the economy is improving (unemployment and inflation are declining), but after the economic struggles of recent years, and with household debt still high, an additional financing source won't hurt, either.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Preserving income, insurance and retirement Financial security also depends on preserving income and protecting loved ones.—
Bruce Helmer,
Twin Cities,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Created during the prolific reign of Louis XIV, the Académie Française has played a significant role in shaping French culture, preserving and updating the country’s language, grammar and usage over time.—
Elsa Keslassy,
Variety,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Withholding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withholding. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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