Definitions

withhold

[with-hohld, with-] / wɪθˈhoʊld, wɪð- /

VERB

keep back

Synonyms

STRONGEST

conceal deduct deny detain hide keep refuse resist retain suppress

STRONG

abstain bridle check constrain curb disallow hold inhibit kill refrain repress reserve restrain spike

WEAK

clam up dummy up hold back hold down hold out hold out on keep secret keep to oneself keep under one's hat keep under wraps sit on stop oneself

Antonyms

STRONGEST

allow disclose divulge expose free go along grant lay bare let go let out open release reveal show tell uncover

STRONG

aid assist help indulge liberate permit use

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Why deny a child access to high-quality education and withhold the opportunities that could change his future?

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

Blundy is seeking to withhold votes against two directors at the company’s annual meeting.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

If the money is paid to you, the administrator of the pension plan is obliged to withhold 20% for taxes.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

For instance, he wants her to withhold funds from departments until there are improvements at the agencies.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

They must never withhold evidence from the other side.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Vocabulary lists containing withhold

The Pearl

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100 SAT words Beginning with W,X,Y, and Z

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"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, Act III

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