Abstain and Withhold

Abstain

Abstain verb - Choose not to consume.

Withhold is a synonym for abstain in restraint topic. In some cases you can use "Withhold" instead a verb "Abstain", when it comes to topics like hold back from doing.

Withhold

Withhold verb - To be unwilling to grant.

Abstain is a synonym for withhold in restraint topic. You can use "Abstain" instead a verb "Withhold", if it concerns topics such as keep back.

Nearby Word: withholding

Common collocations

punishment abstain punishment withhold punishment
Cite this Source
Withhold and Abstain. (2016). Retrieved 2026, July 21, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/abstain/withhold
Abstain & Withhold. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 Jul. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/abstain/withhold>.
Withhold or Abstain. 2016. Accessed July 21, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/abstain/withhold.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "abstain" and "withhold" have occurred on timeline