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 difficulties.
To have or retain possession of something.
Example
He decided to keep the book for a few more days before returning it to the library.
To keep or hold onto something; to 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 deliberate decision not to give or grant something that is due or expected.
- 2Keep suggests having or retaining possession of something.
- 3Retain implies continuing to have or hold onto something.
Effective Usage of withhold, keep, retain
- 1Business: Use allotted and retain in business contexts to discuss the allocation and retention of resources.
- 2Legal: Use withhold in legal contexts to discuss the withholding of evidence or information.
- 3Everyday Conversation: Use these antonyms in everyday conversation to express different shades of meaning related to giving, keeping, and retaining.
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Remember this!
The antonyms of allotted are withhold, keep, and retain. These words have distinct meanings related to giving, keeping, and retaining. Use them in business, legal, and everyday conversation contexts to express different shades of meaning.
