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 My main purpose in seeking a new gaming chair was to find something that could withstand sweltering New York summers while supporting a healthy posture—the Iskur V2 NewGen hits both marks in comfortable fashion. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Aug. 2026 Early church members withstood false rumors about bloody temple rituals. — Brandon Griggs, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2026 Doing so is the only way the region can survive this conflict and withstand the next one. — Dina Esfandiary, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026 Texas cotton growers need varieties that can withstand more heat with less water. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for withstand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstand

Verb

He was arrested and will be booked on felony evading, hit-and-run and felony resisting arrest, police said.

— Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The fungus can spread between patients and resist some antifungal treatments.

— Katia Riddle, NPR, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of resist

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“Withstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withstand. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of withstand

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