WITHSTAND Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'withstand' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of withstand are combat , oppose , and resist . While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," withstand suggests a more passive resistance. // trying to withstand peer pressure

Q: When could 'combat' be used to replace 'withstand'?

While the synonyms combat and withstand are close in meaning, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something. // combat disease

Q: Where would 'oppose' be a reasonable alternative to 'withstand'?

The words oppose and withstand can be used in similar contexts, but oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare. // opposed the plan

Q: When might 'resist' be a better fit than 'withstand'?

The synonyms resist and withstand are sometimes interchangeable, but resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it. // resisting temptation

withstand

verb

with-ˈstand

Definition of withstand

as in to resist

to refuse to give in to trying to withstand the temptation to use the beautiful weather as an excuse to take a mental health day

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How does the verb withstand differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of withstand are combat, oppose, and resist. While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

When could combat be used to replace withstand?

While the synonyms combat and withstand are close in meaning, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

Where would oppose be a reasonable alternative to withstand?

The words oppose and withstand can be used in similar contexts, but oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

When might resist be a better fit than withstand?

The synonyms resist and withstand are sometimes interchangeable, but resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of withstand Companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic, backed by significant capital reserves, should be able to withstand periods of turbulence even if market expectations are reset. — Arjun Kharpal,kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026 Built to withstand thermal runaway The technology also needed to handle the harsh conditions that occur when lithium-ion batteries enter thermal runaway. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026 Today’s roofing, siding, decking, and pavers are lower maintenance, more durable than older iterations, and designed to better withstand all kinds of conditions, including high winds, hail, wildfires, and flooding. — Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026 Its rugged build boasts an industry-leading IP68 waterproof rating alongside drop protection that can withstand 1-meter falls onto concrete. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for withstand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstand

Verb

Compounding the crisis is the fact that airlines are actively resisting standardization in a bid to outdo each other.

— Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
For instance, as a Christian, I am called to vote for doing justice, making peace, loving mercy, being humble, doing good and resisting evil and, most of all, loving my neighbor, whoever that is.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

Friday provided a brief but clear reminder of what kind of headache that could be for opposing defensive coordinators.

— Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
But that also will be two months after the Bucks play in Miami, when Giannis will be in opposing colors for the first time in his career.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of oppose

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“Withstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withstand. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of withstand

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