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.

The attorneys general claimed it was all part of a deliberate attempt to withhold information and leave fans guessing about how they could buy tickets.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

“I love Chris Nolan so I’m going to withhold judgment until I see his version,” says Brantley.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

Her department has the power to withhold federal money from schools that violate civil rights.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 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

In fact, Mrs. Baylor became extra-polite and extra-careful to withhold any hint of intimacy or special bond.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English

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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