withhold
To deliberately keep back or refuse to give information, payment, or permission
Examples
In a meeting
“We'll need to withhold payment until the deliverables are complete.”
Over coffee
“She decided to withhold her opinion until she heard everyone else's thoughts.”
Why this word
keep
withhold implies deliberately not giving something that might be expected, while keep is general retention
retain
withhold emphasizes intentional non-disclosure or denial, while retain is simply maintaining possession
hide
withhold is the formal term for refusing to provide something, while hide suggests concealment
Usage tip
Use when describing intentional retention of something that could be given
Etymology
Middle English from 'with' (against) + 'hold' (to keep)
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Related words
evaluate
To assess or judge the value, quality, or significance of something.
discern
To perceive or recognize a subtle difference or hidden truth.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
authorize
To give official permission or approval for something
restrict
To limit or control something within certain boundaries
reconsider
Think about a decision or opinion again with the possibility of changing it