withhold

verb

with·​hold with-ˈhōld 

wit͟h-

withheld with-ˈheld 

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

Synonyms

• decline
• deny
• disallow
• disapprove
• negative
• nix
• refuse
• reject
• reprobate

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

The failure of the Biden-Harris administration to influence events has greatly angered the Armenian diaspora in the United States, with many going so far as to threaten to withhold their votes in protest. —Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Sep. 2024

During a recent press conference at his golf resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, former President Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funding from the state if Gov. Gavin Newsom doesn’t divert more water to farmers in Southern California. —Robin Epley, The Mercury News, 21 Sep. 2024

Mohammed asked to withhold his full name out of fear of angering authorities for speaking to the press about migration. —Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Sep. 2024

Combs' who built a business empire after founding Bad Boy Records, one of the most successful labels in the history of hip hop, is accused of leveraging his power and financial support by threatening to withhold financial and career support for the women. —Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 19 Sep. 2024

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

Kids Definition

withhold

verb

with·​hold with-ˈhōld 

wit͟h-

withheld -ˈheld  ; 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