withhold

verb

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

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
Choose the Right Synonym for withhold

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 State law carves out an exception to withhold someone's pension when the department is ordered to as part of a restitution order. Kelly Meyerhofer, Journal Sentinel, 17 June 2024 The new prosecution team said Boutros was also accused of withholding Brady material in a 2010 case involving defense attorney Jamie Benjamin, who’s currently representing Melly. Devoun Cetotute, Miami Herald, 16 June 2024 The Justice Department is withholding the recording of President Biden’s interview by former special counsel Robert Hur. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 13 June 2024 Last month, a bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers asked Congress to withhold aid from Mexico if the water debt is not paid. Rachel Monroe, The New Yorker, 13 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for withhold 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'withhold.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near withhold

Cite this Entry

“Withhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withhold. Accessed 27 Jun. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on withhold

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