withhold

verb

with·​hold with-ˈhōld How to pronounce withhold (audio)
wit͟h-
withheld with-ˈheld How to pronounce withhold (audio)
wit͟h-
; withholding

transitive verb

1
: to hold back from action : check
2
archaic : to keep in custody
3
: to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing
withhold permission
4
: to deduct (withholding tax) from income

intransitive verb

: forbear, refrain
withhold from commenting
withholder noun
Choose the Right Synonym for withhold

keep, retain, detain, withhold, reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control.

keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Examples of withhold in a Sentence

She was accused of withholding evidence. She has $20 withheld from her paycheck every week.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Leslie and other researchers have long speculated to WIRED that global law enforcement may have strategically withheld Stern’s alleged identity as part of ongoing investigations. ArsTechnica, 31 May 2025 The Daily News has withheld Dylan’s last name at the request of his family. Dylan, who fled persecution in Venezuela, is currently being held at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Clearfield County, Penn. Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025 However, the university, according to the lawsuit, stated in its response that many additional records had been withheld due to their relation to legal actions, confidential information or privileged communications with lawyers. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025 Earlier this week, Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from California over the participation of a high school track and field athlete. Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for withhold

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from with from + holden to hold — more at with

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of withhold was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Withhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withhold. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

withhold

verb
with·​hold with-ˈhōld How to pronounce withhold (audio)
wit͟h-
withheld -ˈheld How to pronounce withhold (audio) ; withholding
1
: to hold back : restrain
withhold an angry response
2
: to refuse to grant, give, or allow
withhold permission
3
: to deduct (withholding tax) from income
withholder noun

More from Merriam-Webster on withhold

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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