withhold

Synonym Chooser

How is the word withhold distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of withhold are detain, keep, reserve, and retain. While all these words mean "to hold in one's possession or under one's control," withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

When would detain be a good substitute for withhold?

The synonyms detain and withhold are sometimes interchangeable, but detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

In what contexts can keep take the place of withhold?

While in some cases nearly identical to withhold, keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

When is it sensible to use reserve instead of withhold?

The words reserve and withhold can be used in similar contexts, but reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

When might retain be a better fit than withhold?

In some situations, the words retain and withhold are roughly equivalent. However, retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

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 withhold Critics in both the U.S. and Europe argue that withholding military aid at a critical juncture risks emboldening Russia and could force Ukraine into accepting unfavorable terms. Danny Bakst, Fortune, 3 July 2025 Education and state leaders said that President Donald Trump’s decision to withhold more than $6 billion in federal grants for K-12 schools could severely impact resources for the state’s most vulnerable students including staffing, reading interventions and after school programs, among others. Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 3 July 2025 House Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., called the move to withhold the appropriated funds a violation of federal law with potentially devastating consequences. Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 2 July 2025 Yet, the hockey business is booming, and the league stopped withholding escrow payments for the 2024-25 season in January, with the expectation that the escrow fund would fully revert to players. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for withhold
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withhold
Verb
  • Molina-Neave was arrested in San Antonio, Texas, in 2006 but refused extradition to Denver.
    Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
  • Prioritizing TikTok Shop's growth could motivate ByteDance to back down from refusing to sell the app, but ultimately, China would still need to sign off, Trump has said.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • But whatever her deal, the chibi-like iteration of Pauline retains her powerful singing voice.
    Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 10 July 2025
  • Peter Shane, an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law, told USA TODAY that over the years Congress has given the president authority to move parts of agencies around, but retained veto authority over the changes following the 1930s New Deal.
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • So with his conviction and prison stay, Larson was denied access.
    Savannah Leigh Richardson, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • Paxton, during the trial, denied having the affair.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Discover easy meal prep strategies, nutritious grab-and-go options, and time-saving hacks to keep you fueled and focused throughout the day.
    Essence, Essence, 10 July 2025
  • There are plenty of curly-hair products designed to soften the hair and reduce itching associated with keeping a style in for too long.
    Taylor Bryant, Glamour, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • New York Senator Julia Salazar, who was among the electeds observing hearings Thursday called for New Yorkers to reject what is happening inside lower Manhattan immigration courts.
    Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025
  • Last summer, West Ham had a verbal offer of £15m rejected by Al Ittihad for midfielder N’Golo Kante, then 33.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • And believe it or not, plenty are genuinely comfortable, holding their own against traditional footwear.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 July 2025
  • Premieres will be held Thursday, January 22, to Tuesday, January 27, where audiences will see films, episodic projects, and more for the first time, with additional showings throughout the entire Festival.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The important storyline over those weeks is about untapped potential, not declining numbers.
    Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • This story has been updated to note the FBI declined to comment.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 7 July 2025
  • So, how can your clean-label brand preserve its reputation and product integrity when higher tariffs threaten this promise?
    Eran Mizrahi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

Cite this Entry

“Withhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withhold. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on withhold

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