withhold crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "withhold crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you back on track.
Solutions for "withhold crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
KEEP: To retain possession of something; not to give or release.
DENY: To refuse to grant or give something requested or desired.
6 Letters
RETAIN: To continue to have or hold possession of something.
REFUSE: To indicate that one is not willing to do something or to accept something.
CENSOR: To examine and suppress any objectionable parts of something, typically media.
7 Letters
CONCEAL: To keep from sight or hide; to prevent from being known.
RESERVE: To hold back or set aside for later use or a specific purpose.
8 Letters
SUPPRESS: To forcibly put an end to; to prevent the development, action, or expression of something.
RESTRAIN: To prevent (someone or something) from doing something; to keep under control or within limits.
More About "withhold crossword clue"
"Withhold" is a versatile term that frequently appears in crosswords, often testing a solver's vocabulary for synonyms and related concepts. Clues might focus on its literal meaning of holding something back, as in "to withhold payment" or "to withhold information." This can lead to answers like DENY, REFUSE, or CONCEAL. Alternatively, the clue might lean into the idea of retaining or preserving, suggesting answers like KEEP or RETAIN.
The challenge with "withhold" clues often lies in discerning the precise nuance required by the puzzle setter. Is it an active suppression, a passive retention, or a refusal to grant? Contextual clues, such as the surrounding words in the puzzle or the number of letters in the answer, are crucial. Understanding the various shades of meaning for "withhold" is key to unlocking these types of clues and improving your overall crossword solving skills.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Does "withhold" imply a negative action (e.g., keeping secrets) or a neutral one (e.g., reserving judgment)? This can help narrow down options.
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the required letter count immediately. This eliminates many possibilities and focuses your thinking on specific answer lengths, as demonstrated in our answer section.
- Look for Synonyms and Antonyms: Brainstorm words that mean the same as "withhold" (e.g., keep, deny) or the opposite (e.g., give, release). Sometimes the opposite of a word in the clue can lead to the answer.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use any letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These fixed letters will significantly reduce the number of possible solutions for "withhold."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find answers to difficult crossword clues like 'withhold'?
To solve challenging clues such as 'withhold', consider synonyms, antonyms, and words related to the concept. Pay attention to the letter count required. Online crossword databases and clue-solving tools can also provide quick assistance by listing possible answers and their lengths.
What is the difference between 'withhold' and 'retain' in a crossword context?
While both imply keeping something, 'withhold' often suggests preventing something from being given or known, whereas 'retain' generally means to simply continue to hold or possess. In crosswords, 'withhold' might lead to answers like DENY or SUPPRESS, while 'retain' could point to KEEP or HOLD.
Are crossword clues for 'withhold' always negative in meaning?
Not always. While 'withhold' can imply a negative action (e.g., withholding information or payment), it can also be neutral (e.g., withholding judgment) or even positive in certain contexts (e.g., withholding criticism). The broader theme of the puzzle and other intersecting words often provide the necessary context.