withhold
verb
with·hold with-ˈhōld 
wit͟h-
withheld with-ˈheld
wit͟h-
; withholding
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
withholder noun
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
Today, rumors circulating on social media in the DRC include false claims that Ebola is not real, that humanitarian workers are descending on the area solely for their own profit and that aid groups are withholding the best care available. —
Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 29 May 2026 At a time when the DNC, under his leadership, appears to be nearly insolvent, multiple Democratic donors are reportedly withholding contributions because of Martin’s handling of the report. —Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 29 May 2026 Blanche said many documents were withheld to protect victim privacy, which is permitted under the transparency law. —Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 29 May 2026 His name is being withheld pending family notification. —Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for withhold
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 29 May 2026 At a time when the DNC, under his leadership, appears to be nearly insolvent, multiple Democratic donors are reportedly withholding contributions because of Martin’s handling of the report. —Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 29 May 2026 Blanche said many documents were withheld to protect victim privacy, which is permitted under the transparency law. —Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 29 May 2026 His name is being withheld pending family notification. —Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for withhold
Cite this Entry
“Withhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withhold. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
withhold
verb
with·hold with-ˈhōld
wit͟h-
withheld -ˈheld ; withholding
; 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
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