withhold

verb

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

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 of withhold

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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.
In this case, the five networks that make up the TV pool — CNN, Fox News, ABC News, CBS News and NBC News — last month withheld their participation to protest the White House’s exclusion of CNN. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026 About 20 years ago, Hazleton passed the controversial Illegal Immigration Relief Act, which withheld permits from businesses employing undocumented immigrants and fined landlords who rented to them. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 For most of history, locksmiths and lockmakers have guarded their secrets as closely as magicians withhold their tricks. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026 Megan James, 33, who at the time was Siira’s fellow caregiver, was also arrested and charged with her murder and related felonies, the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office first reported in June 2024 while withholding Siira’s name as the victim. — Idaho Statesman, 9 Oct. 2026 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
withholder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Withhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withhold. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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
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