What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
repressing
Example
She was repressing her anger towards her boss. [repressing: verb]
Example
He had been repressing his true feelings for years. [repressing: gerund or present participle]
withholding
Example
The company was accused of withholding important information from its employees. [withholding: verb]
Example
She was withholding affection from her partner as a way to punish him. [withholding: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Withholding is more commonly used than repressing in everyday language. Withholding is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while repressing is less common and often used in psychological or emotional contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between repressing and withholding?
Both repressing and withholding are associated with a formal tone, often used in professional or academic contexts.
