withhold

verb

with·​hold with-ˈhōld How to pronounce withhold (audio)
wit͟h-
withheld with-ˈheld How to pronounce withhold (audio)
wit͟h-
 ; withholding
Synonyms of withholdnext

transitive verb

1
: to hold back from action : check
2
archaic : to keep in custody
3
: to refrain from granting, giving, or allowing
withhold permission
4
: to deduct (withholding tax) from income

intransitive verb

: forbear, refrain
withhold from commenting
withholder noun

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for withhold

keep, retain, detain, withhold, reserve mean to hold in one's possession or under one's control.

keep may suggest a holding securely in one's possession, custody, or control.

keep this while I'm gone

retain implies continued keeping, especially against threatened seizure or forced loss.

managed to retain their dignity even in poverty

detain suggests a delay in letting go.

detained them for questioning

withhold implies restraint in letting go or a refusal to let go.

withheld information from the authorities

reserve suggests a keeping in store for future use.

reserve some of your energy for the last mile

Examples of withhold in a Sentence

She was accused of withholding evidence. She has $20 withheld from her paycheck every week.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The administration sued Texas and Kentucky for similar statutes, enforcing executive orders directing agencies to withhold benefits from undocumented immigrants and to challenge state laws that provide such benefits. — Peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025 The remains of another adult woman were also identified, but her name is being withheld at the request of family members. — Brian Mann, NPR, 7 Aug. 2025 After asking Bonner’s family to withdraw their request for her autopsy in September 2024, the county appealed to the Texas Attorney General’s Office to withhold the document. — Cody Copeland, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2025 But many questions still remain — including why the city’s fire department continues to withhold information about the events that occurred around noon on Sept. 17, 2024, at the Gladstone Community Center. — Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 6 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for withhold

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from with from + holden to hold — more at with

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of withhold was in the 13th century

Rhymes for withhold

See All Rhymes for withhold

Browse Nearby Words

with guns blazing
withhold
withholding tax
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Withhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withhold. Accessed 14 Aug. 2025.

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Kids Definition

withhold

verb
with·​hold with-ˈhōld How to pronounce withhold (audio)
wit͟h-
withheld -ˈheld How to pronounce withhold (audio) ; withholding
1
: to hold back : restrain
withhold an angry response
2
: to refuse to grant, give, or allow
withhold permission
3
: to deduct (withholding tax) from income
withholder noun

More from Merriam-Webster on withhold

Nglish: Translation of withhold for Spanish Speakers

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