withhold
verb (used with object)
to hold back; restrain or check.
were withholding
-
past progressiveof withhold.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The very act of questioning whether the authorities were withholding information from the public was also criticised on the grounds that it had stoked the flames of disorder.
From BBC ● Feb. 24, 2025
Chevron said unions continued to introduce new matters into the dispute and were withholding agreement on other issues pending member votes.
From Reuters ● Oct. 16, 2023
If you were withholding judgment, why then did the play begin to weigh on you?
From New York Times ● Dec. 13, 2022
Police were withholding the man’s identity until they could notify his relatives.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 27, 2022
The room hovered around me with great gentleness, as if the chairs and the tables and the walls were withholding their weight out of sympathy for my sudden frailty.
From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath
