WITHHOLD Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

withhold

verb

with-ˈhōld

Definition of withhold next

as in to refuse

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 to retain

to continue to have in one's possession or power withhold some money for your own expenses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Recent Examples of withhold Senate Democrats grilled Russell Vought, President-elect Donald Trump‘s nominee to be director of the Office of Management and Budget, over threats Trump has made to withhold federal funding from California to handle the deadly wildfires in the state. —

Christian Datoc, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 15 Jan. 2025 The 59-year-old represented Trump during his first impeachment trial, in which he was accused of withholding aid to Ukraine to allegedly pressure the Eastern European country to investigate President Joe Biden. —

Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 Collins served on the then-president’s impeachment defense team in early 2020 when Trump was accused of withholding aid from Ukraine in exchange for political favors. —

Jared Gans, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025 La Liga occasionally withheld a share of TV revenues to directly pay a club’s previously outstanding back taxes or debts, while Atletico, Valencia and Sevilla are among those who found themselves over their limit at different points and had to sell or loan out players to register new signings. —

Dermot Corrigan, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for withhold

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withhold

Verb

Trump’s second swearing-in comes after the previous transition of power in 2020 was marked by tension, after Trump refused to concede and a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

— Chantelle Lee, TIME, 20 Jan. 2025
If the registry office refuses to name the child the parents can file a suit in civil court requesting their name choice be accepted, according to the outlet.

— Escher Walcott, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025