What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
holdback
Example
The teacher had to holdback the students from leaving the classroom until the bell rang. [holdback: verb]
Example
The holdback in negotiations was due to disagreements over pricing. [holdback: noun]
withhold
Example
The company decided to withhold information about the merger until the official announcement. [withhold: verb]
Example
The government can withhold taxes from your paycheck. [withhold: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Withhold is more commonly used than holdback in everyday language. Withhold is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while holdback is less common and refers to a specific type of holding back.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between holdback and withhold?
Both holdback and withhold can be used in formal and informal contexts, but withhold may be more commonly used in formal settings due to its legal implications.
