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 That way, you can never be blamed for withholding anything from him. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026 Comey’s lawyers are pressing to have the case dismissed, accusing the department of misleading judges, submitting documents containing false statements and withholding key facts. — Alanna Durkin Richer, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026 Rumors claim that the virus is a hoax, that health workers are profiting from the outbreak or that hospitals are withholding lifesaving treatments. — ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026 Leaders should avoid overstating future opportunities, underestimating risks or withholding information that could later create friction. — Amit Jain, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Barnes did not disclose the online platforms used for the operation, saying that withholding the information is necessary to protect undercover operations like Operation Cyber Shield in other jurisdictions. — Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026 While Miller sought to exonerate himself of withholding the bunny by releasing the messages, his post faced backlash. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026 Officials have not released the person's identity or age and are withholding further information until the person's family is notified. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026 Two Republican senators are withholding their support for Blanche due to the Department of Justice's deal with the president to end his IRS lawsuit. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 31 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withholding

Verb

The letter from the state Attorney General’s Office asserts that Menlo Park improperly changed its reasons for denying a streamlined approval process for the residential portion of the project.

— George Avalos, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
There’s no denying that rhetoric over the bear hunt, which was approved by the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission last summer, boiled over.

— Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of denying

Verb

The conversation is illuminating for what goes unspoken with both boys refusing to acknowledge whatever is going on between them.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
Monarez testified before Congress last year that Kennedy ousted her for refusing to blindly approve guidance from that panel.

— Aria Bendix, NBC news, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of refusing

Verb

Protecting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is essential to ensuring America can continue recruiting and retaining the public servants our communities depend on.

— Verna L. Williams, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026
For now, sister station KOLA is retaining its air staff; KOLA is one of the most successful stations in the IE.

— Richard Wagoner, Daily News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of retaining

Verb

Many residents are balking at that timing and at Ryan’s lawsuit against Killingly’s wetlands board for rejecting the first version of the plan on July 6.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2026
Roster movement in both directions has been constant this year, from The New Day's exit to a former champion reportedly leaving after rejecting a new deal to the April release of 11 former champions.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of rejecting

Verb

In the video circulating on social media, a young woman holding a child is shoved in the face by an officer.

— Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026
Pinching and holding both buds at the same time activates a new Audio Snapshot mode that records phone call audio or incoming sound and syncs it to the Nothing X app.

— Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of holding

Verb

The Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington think tank, has released reports on declining inventories based on budget documents and other public information.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
Both have dealt with years of declining sales, but hemp beverages have opened a new market for a generation that isn’t drinking as much as its predecessors.

— Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of declining

Verb

Mayor Andre Dickens said the development is another step toward his goal of building or preserving 20,000 affordable units by 2030.

— Elijah Megginson, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Ted Lasso, forever more interested in preserving an atmosphere of sterile niceness than grappling with complex humanity, isn’t it.

— Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026