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
Ahead of the Brussels meeting, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said his government needed more time to study a French-Swedish proposal to sever West Bank settlers from EU markets, effectively withholding support despite mounting popular political pressure.
—
Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Today’s case was begun in June 2024 against the city Department of Environmental Protection for withholding WTC records.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026
Authorities are withholding his identity pending identification by the Adams County Coroner's Office and notification of his next of kin.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 10 May 2026
In a civil lawsuit, Clark accused investigators of engaging in misconduct to secure his conviction, including fabricating statements, pressuring witnesses and withholding evidence that could have supported his innocence.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Compared to RuPaul’s Drag Race’s more effusive guests, Michelle Visage can come off as the withholding evil stepmother on the judges’ panel.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Punishments included withholding food from inmates or forcing them to sit with their arms folded while they were beaten and kicked.
—Raquel Rutledge, ProPublica, 5 May 2026
Whatever side that controls aid is accused of withholding it from the other, and civilians suffer.
—ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
Both Landon and Andreatta have been accused of withholding information about the project.
—Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Today’s case was begun in June 2024 against the city Department of Environmental Protection for withholding WTC records.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026
Authorities are withholding his identity pending identification by the Adams County Coroner's Office and notification of his next of kin.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 10 May 2026
In a civil lawsuit, Clark accused investigators of engaging in misconduct to secure his conviction, including fabricating statements, pressuring witnesses and withholding evidence that could have supported his innocence.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
Compared to RuPaul’s Drag Race’s more effusive guests, Michelle Visage can come off as the withholding evil stepmother on the judges’ panel.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 6 May 2026
Punishments included withholding food from inmates or forcing them to sit with their arms folded while they were beaten and kicked.
—Raquel Rutledge, ProPublica, 5 May 2026
Whatever side that controls aid is accused of withholding it from the other, and civilians suffer.
—ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
Both Landon and Andreatta have been accused of withholding information about the project.
—Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withholding
Verb
-
In Uthmeier’s mind, the world is unfairly denying white men careers as head coaches and coffeehouse baristas.—
Scott Maxwell,
Sun Sentinel,
9 May 2026
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In effectively denying the zoning measures sought by the county, the planning board on Wednesday reversed course on a previous 2018 approval by the same body, though with some different members, of essentially the same county plan.—
Andres Viglucci,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2026
Verb
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Here, the Sport+ drive mode does a commendable job of keeping the transmission in the meaty parts of the powerband, while dialing the dampers back to Sport achieves the right balance of body control and compliance on these less-than-perfect road surfaces.—
Bradley Iger,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
-
However, the best way to use this week is to practice a star-hop or two, keeping sessions short and focused.—
Jamie Carter,
Space.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Strickland then mocked Chimaev for refusing to fight in the parking lot.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
-
Baldoni later accused a trio of other insurers of breach of contract for refusing to cover litigation costs.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
7 May 2026
Verb
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This includes retaining at least 165 of the 177 tuition contracts that have already been signed by families as of April 27 for the 2026-27 academic year.—
Claire Murphy,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
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That’s why the Bulldogs placed a premium on retaining key players, including Elijah Griffin, Nate Frazier and KJ Bolden.—
Connor Riley,
AJC.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Washington and some other states, however, started rejecting licensure applicants or revoking nurses with diplomas from those schools even before the investigation was made public.—
Annie Martin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 May 2026
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Some families are also rejecting the eye ointment.—
Duaa Eldeib,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Stay open while holding practical boundaries.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
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On the other side of the building, Ford City’s lone anchor store, JCPenney, is holding its going-out-of-business sale.—
Audrey Pachuta,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Bass defended her administration’s handling of homelessness, pointing to declining homelessness counts and the city’s Inside Safe program, while criticizing Raman’s record on police hiring and past votes against some encampment enforcement measures near schools and other sensitive sites.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
8 May 2026
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Poverty, lack of transportation to school and mental health struggles contribute to absenteeism and declining enrollment across San Diego County.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Landon said that by preserving farmland and supporting local producers, Placer County can remain strong for generations to come.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
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The museum started out collecting and preserving historical artifacts, which has grown to a 40,000-piece collection.—
Amanda Rosa
May 7,
Miami Herald,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Withholding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withholding. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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