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 desired.
Example
The company decided to withhold bonuses this year due to financial constraints.
To have or retain possession of something.
Example
She decided to keep the book instead of returning it to the library.
To continue to hold or keep something.
Example
The athlete was able to retain his title for the third consecutive year.
Key Differences: withhold vs keep vs retain
- 1Withhold implies a deliberate refusal to give or grant something that is due or desired.
- 2Keep refers to having or retaining possession of something.
- 3Retain means to continue to hold or keep something.
Effective Usage of withhold, keep, retain
- 1Business Communication: Use withhold to indicate the refusal to provide information or services.
- 2Ownership: Use keep to indicate possession or ownership of something.
- 3Memory: Use retain to indicate the ability to remember something.
📌
Remember this!
The antonyms of impart are withhold, keep, and retain. These words convey the opposite meaning of imparting or giving something to someone. Use these words in different contexts to indicate refusal, ownership, and memory.
