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.

“I love Chris Nolan so I’m going to withhold judgment until I see his version,” says Brantley.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

Many threatened to withhold military supplies, or actually did withhold them.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

X's second commitment is to withhold UK access to accounts reported for posting UK illegal terrorist content, if it determines they are operated by, or on behalf of, a terrorist organisation proscribed in the UK.

From BBC • May 15, 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

Despair gripped me; there was no way to bargain, nothing I could offer or withhold that could influence him.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

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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