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
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Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell released a video statement on Sunday night denying criminal wrongdoing shortly after the Department of Justice opened an investigation into him.—
Zach LaChance,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Jan. 2026
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The vaccine misinformation advanced by the president and his science-denying Secretary of Health and Human Services is taking its toll on vaccination rates.—
Mary Ellen Klas,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Saldaña has reason to feel good about keeping her box office crown, too.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Jan. 2026
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If Payton’s keeping receipts, Superman is about to enter a no-fly zone.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While in Jamaica, the Ramírez boys were sent to a very conservative private school to learn English and were punished for refusing to sing the British national anthem in morning assembly.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
16 Jan. 2026
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Much of it explodes, though; one false post of Nix refusing to wear a rainbow armband has over 2,300 reactions.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Beyond raw power, the technology proved its resilience, retaining over 95 per cent of its performance after 1,100 hours of continuous use.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Jan. 2026
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With his departure, retaining Baugh became necessary for what Sumrall is trying to establish.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But a jury apparently disagreed, convicting Amiri of a civil rights violation that relied heavily on Manly-Williams’ testimony and rejecting all other charges, including conspiracy to violate civil rights.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
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Talarico represents the Democrats who believe that winning is possible by rejecting rather than emulating the president’s least flattering qualities.—
Colin Pascal,
Baltimore Sun,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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To give yourself more storage for holding all of your vacation must-haves, simply snap both bags together to create a dual compartment design.—
Michelle Baricevic,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Jan. 2026
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Peaceful protest, chanting, and holding signs are protected forms of speech.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Mavis Leno's advanced dementia diagnosis was revealed in 2024, when her husband was granted conservatorship over her estate amid her declining health.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Jan. 2026
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District leaders pointed to declining student achievement, a lack of resources for the school's special education program, and insurmountable financial issues with the school.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Tributes and messages of condolence have poured in from customers, community members, and fans of the iconic restaurant, many of whom credited Pierce-Sherrod with preserving the spirit and legacy of Harold’s Chicken for future generations.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
16 Jan. 2026
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Most reported 10 to 12 months is a standard timeline to preserving an animal and mounting for customers.—
Erika Stanish,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Withholding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withholding. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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