withhold
verb (used with object)
to hold back; restrain or check.
had been withholding
-
past perfect progressiveof withhold.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Summers and Copeland sued Sting last year, saying he had been withholding some of those payments.
From BBC ● Jan. 14, 2026
Two other deputies allegedly told the department’s internal crime investigators that Tanner had been withholding backup from other deputies and that they’d reported it to the station captain.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2024
The judge determined that the department had been withholding the footage “in bad faith.”
From Salon ● Dec. 14, 2023
Several states had been withholding support for the plan, but after a new round of negotiations this year, all of them came on board.
From Seattle Times ● May 30, 2023
Alan determined to ask Sherrill what he had been withholding before he told him all of what had happened in Corvet's house.
From The Indian Drum by Balmer, Edwin
