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.

"A deliberate decision was taken to withhold that material from me," he told MPs.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

It can also withhold your tax refund and Social Security benefits without a court order.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Mazzara’s comment in the email thread with other Homeland Security attorneys was given to American Oversight with a watermark showing the agency had intended to withhold it.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

The suit accused companies including CVS Health and Lego of conspiring to withhold ad spending over X’s content policies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 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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