Synonyms of sustainable
1
: capable of being sustained
sustainable growth
a sustainable business model
And the ratings spike did not prove sustainable for the rest of the evening.Brian Steinberg
2
a
: of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged
sustainable techniques
sustainable agriculture
The study reflects a broadening search for more climate-friendly sustainable protein sources.Ashley Miznazi
b
: of or relating to a lifestyle involving the use of sustainable methods
a sustainable society
a sustainable future
… the most sustainable garment is one that already exists.Angela Velasquez
sustainability noun
… several boards throughout the state that focus on green building and sustainability. Melissa Followell

Examples of sustainable in a Sentence

a line of argument that is probably not sustainable in a public forum against skilled debaters has no sustainable claim to the property without a deed or some other document
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The brand combines movement and fitness with nutrition and other wellness tools to help women build sustainable habits that support their health through midlife and beyond. Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 24 Aug. 2026 However, Jaworski, who has donated plasma four times, says payment helps to ensure a sustainable supply of the raw material for lifesaving medicines. Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026 To counter this, experts advocate for proactive strategies to manage demands and achieve sustainable success. John Hall, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 That's the Treasury and the executive branch working with Congress to design a fiscal package that can change that and put it on a sustainable path. CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sustainable

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sustainable was in 1924

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sustainable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustainable. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster