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

Lample painted a picture of cancer cures and scientific breakthroughs that commercial or geopolitical competitors might withhold from Europe if it has no homegrown superintelligence capacity.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

“As it is an ongoing legal situation, we will withhold further comment.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

He suggested if the government wanted to withhold or redact some of the information not relevant to national security or diplomatic relations, MPs should give their consent.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Knowing that the horse, when forced, tended to become obstreperous, Pollard may have decided to err on the side of caution and advise Workman to withhold the whip.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

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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