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

There is no good reason to withhold the data.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

Blundy is seeking to withhold votes against two directors at the company’s annual meeting.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

Sir Keir told MPs he found it "staggering" that "officials in the Foreign Office saw fit to withhold this information" from ministers.

From BBC • May 6, 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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