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.

There is no good reason to withhold the data.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

He suggested if the government wanted to withhold or redact some of the information not relevant to national security or diplomatic relations, MPs should give their consent.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Sir Keir told MPs he found it "staggering" that "officials in the Foreign Office saw fit to withhold this information" from ministers.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

The prospect of a brief cease-fire comes as Russia is planning to scale back an annual May 9 Victory Day parade—and withhold the traditional display of military hardware.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

I'm overwhelmed with the need to lie and withhold the details of how I know Auguste, like hiding a rare and expensive gem in a secret pocket.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

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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