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

However, the Guardian reported that senior government officials have been considering whether to withhold documents from Parliament revealing Lord Mandelson was not given vetting approval from security officials.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Actor Mickey Rourke has broken his silence on the alleged “unacceptable” living conditions that prompted him to withhold over $59,000 in rent after he defaulted in his eviction case.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

X accused the companies and the World Federation of Advertisers of violating antitrust laws by conspiring to withhold billions in advertising.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

“You didn’t tell me you had a guest for dinner last night. Why did you withhold information, Toodles?”

From "Confessions of a Murder Suspect" by James Patterson

Vocabulary lists containing withhold

The Pearl

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

100 SAT words Beginning with W,X,Y, and Z

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare, Act III

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!