Definitions and Examples of withhold, keep, retain
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To refuse to give or grant something that is due or expected.
Example
The company decided to withhold bonuses this year due to financial constraints.
To have or retain possession of something.
Example
He decided to keep the old car instead of selling it.
To continue to have or hold something.
Example
The company decided to retain its employees despite the economic downturn.
Key Differences: withhold vs keep vs retain
- 1Withhold implies a deliberate act of refusing to give or grant something.
- 2Keep suggests holding onto something that one already has.
- 3Retain implies continuing to have or hold onto something.
Effective Usage of withhold, keep, retain
- 1Business: Use withhold when referring to withholding payments or bonuses.
- 2Possession: Use keep when referring to holding onto something that one already has.
- 3Continuation: Use retain when referring to continuing to have or hold onto something.
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Remember this!
The antonyms of allocated are withhold, keep, and retain. Use withhold when referring to refusing to give or grant something, keep when referring to holding onto something that one already has, and retain when referring to continuing to have or hold onto something.
