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
She decided to keep the book instead of 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 implies having possession or control over something and not giving it away or returning it.
- 3Retain implies continuing to have something, often for a specific purpose or reason.
Effective Usage of withhold, keep, retain
- 1Business Communication: Use these antonyms to discuss financial transactions, contracts, and agreements.
- 2Legal Writing: Incorporate these antonyms in legal documents to convey the opposite meaning.
- 3Daily Conversation: Utilize these antonyms to express ownership, possession, and control over something.
Remember this!
The antonyms of allotting are withhold, keep, and retain. These words have distinct meanings and can be used in various contexts such as business communication, legal writing, and daily conversation to convey the opposite meaning of allotting.