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 until the end of the year.
To have or retain possession of something.
Example
He decided to keep the book instead of returning it to the library.
To keep or continue to have something.
Example
The company decided to retain its employees despite the economic downturn.
Key Differences: withhold vs keep vs retain
- 1Withhold implies a refusal to give or grant something that is due or expected.
- 2Keep refers to having or retaining possession of something.
- 3Retain means to keep or continue to have something.
Effective Usage of withhold, keep, retain
- 1Negotiations: Use withhold to express a refusal to give or grant something.
- 2Ownership: Use keep to indicate possession or ownership of something.
- 3Continuation: Use retain to express the continuation of something.
Remember this!
The antonyms of allot are withhold, keep, and retain. These words convey the opposite meaning of allot, which means to give or assign a portion of something. Use these words to express a refusal to give or grant something, indicate possession or ownership of something, or express the continuation of something.
