What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
withhold
Example
The company decided to withhold bonuses until the end of the year. [withhold: verb]
Example
The government can withhold information for national security reasons. [withhold: verb]
retain
Example
The company decided to retain the services of the consultant for another year. [retain: verb]
Example
The museum decided to retain the painting in its collection. [retain: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Retain is more commonly used than withhold in everyday language. Retain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while withhold is less common and often used in legal or financial contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between withhold and retain?
Withhold is typically associated with a formal tone, especially in legal or financial contexts, while retain is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
