sustenance

noun

ˈsə-stə-nən(t)s How to pronounce sustenance (audio)
Definition of sustenancenext
as in food
something that maintains or stimulates the intellect my only sustenance on the long flight was a trashy novel I'd bought in the airport

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sustenance Such a commission would become another bureaucracy that accomplishes little beyond self-sustenance. — Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 The project’s goals include giving long-term sustenance to successful but fleeting smaller efforts. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026 Eating and drinking Situated next to the pool and providing sustenance from early morning to late at night is the Son Xotano restaurant. — Jonathan Samuels, TheWeek, 17 July 2026 To provide that sustenance that gives people life and well-being. — Arkansas Online, 10 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sustenance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustenance
  1. food
  2. nourishment
Noun
  • The company, founded in 1995, has grown through a combination of scale and acquisitions, building an operation that spans much of the food supply chain.
    — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That allows the team to be on the same page, whether that’s playing time or a dress code in the food hall.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of food
Noun
  • Adding to the resort’s already extensive list of experiences—ranging from creative expression, fitness, and integrative wellbeing to outdoor adventure, yoga, and nourishment—are several new offerings.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Sharp pieces can damage internal organs, while stomachs filled with plastic can leave birds feeling full without providing any nourishment.
    — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of nourishment

Browse Nearby Words

sustains
sustenance
sustentation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sustenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustenance. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dissonant

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All