Remove vs Withdraw

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Remove

Top 1,000 (very common) A2 verb

Withdraw

Top 2,000 (common) B2 verb

Most common: Remove

	Remove	Withdraw
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmuːv/","/rɪˈmuːvz/","/rɪˈmuːvd/","/rɪˈmuːvɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmuːv/","/rɪˈmuːvz/","/rɪˈmuːvd/","/rɪˈmuːvɪŋ/"]/	🇬🇧 /["/wɪðˈdrɔː//wɪθˈdrɔː/","/wɪðˈdrɔːz//wɪθˈdrɔːz/","/wɪðˈdruː//wɪθˈdruː/","/wɪðˈdrɔːn//wɪθˈdrɔːn/","/wɪðˈdrɔːɪŋ//wɪθˈdrɔːɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/wɪðˈdrɔː//wɪθˈdrɔː/","/wɪðˈdrɔːz//wɪθˈdrɔːz/","/wɪðˈdruː//wɪθˈdruː/","/wɪðˈdrɔːn//wɪθˈdrɔːn/","/wɪðˈdrɔːɪŋ//wɪθˈdrɔːɪŋ/"]/
Meaning	To take something away or get rid of it.	To take back or remove something.
Example	Please remove the stain from the carpet.	She decided to withdraw her savings from the bank.
Register	Neutral	Neutral
How common	Top 1,000 (very common)	Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level	A2	B2
Part of speech	verb	verb
Collocations	altogether, completely, entirely, try to, be possible to, be difficult to, for, from, with, altogether, completely, entirely, try to, be possible to, be difficult to, for, from, with	altogether, completely, immediately, be forced to, be ordered to, threaten to, from, in favour/​favor of, into, altogether, completely, immediately, be forced to, be ordered to, threaten to, from, in favour/​favor of, into, altogether, completely, immediately, be forced to, be ordered to, threaten to, from, in favour/​favor of, into
Antonyms	add, include	deposit, add, contribute
Common mistakes	Confusing 'remove' with 'erase' — 'erase' is often used for writing or drawings., Using 'remove' without a clear object — remember to specify what is being removed., Incorrectly using 'removal' as a verb.	Confused with 'wither' — remember, 'withdraw' is about taking away., Using 'withdraw' with an incorrect subject; you withdraw something, not 'withdraws'., 'Withdrew' is the past tense, but learners often forget the 'd'.
Usage notes	Use 'remove' in neutral contexts, such as formal writing or conversations. It is less common in informal speech where simpler words like 'take away' might be preferred.	Use 'withdraw' when you want to say you are taking something away or not participating anymore. It's suitable in both formal and informal contexts, like withdrawing money from a bank or withdrawing from a competition.

See it in real clips

I'm gonna need TARS to remove and adapt some components from KIPP.

Please remove any metallic items you're carrying. Keys, loose change.

I'm gonna need TARS to remove and adapt some components from KIPP.

Please remove any metallic items you're carrying. Keys, loose change.

Remove

Frequently asked questions: Remove vs Withdraw

What's the difference between Remove and Withdraw?

Remove: To take something away or get rid of it. Withdraw: To take back or remove something.

Which is more common: Remove and Withdraw?

Remove is the most common in everyday English.

Which is more advanced: Remove and Withdraw?

Withdraw is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Remove and Withdraw the same CEFR level?

Remove: A2, Withdraw: B2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Remove and Withdraw?

Remove: verb, Withdraw: verb.

Can you show an example of each?

Remove: Please remove the stain from the carpet. Withdraw: She decided to withdraw her savings from the bank.

Can I use Remove and Withdraw interchangeably?

Not always. Remove and Withdraw are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.