sustenance

noun

sus·te·nance ˈsə-stə-nən(t)s

Synonyms of sustenance

: means of support, maintenance, or subsistence : living

: food, provisions

also : nourishment

: the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained

: a supplying or being supplied with the necessaries of life

: something that gives support, endurance, or strength

Examples of sustenance in a Sentence

Tree bark provides deer with sustenance in periods of drought. The village depends on the sea for sustenance. She draws spiritual sustenance from daily church attendance.

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 storm, located a little more than 500 miles east of the northern Philippines, has been taking advantage of ideal conditions for tropical cyclone sustenance and strengthening. — Matthew Cappucci, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 When a whale dies and sinks to the ocean floor, its carcass provides sustenance for deep-sea organisms for centuries, triggering a shockwave of life. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2026 Then on Wednesday morning, Luna reunited with her owners thanks to the efforts of local rescuers, tourists and park employees, capping a survival tale that required avoiding bears and coyotes while locating enough sustenance and shelter. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 The cave’s inhabitants also extracted marrow from bones for sustenance, according to the study. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sustenance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from sustenir

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of sustenance was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

sustain pedal

sustenance

sustenant

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sustenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustenance. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sustenance

noun

sus·te·nance ˈsəs-tə-nən(t)s

: means of support, maintenance, or existence

: nourishment sense 1

: the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained

especially : a supplying with the necessities of life

: something that gives support, help, or strength

sustenance

noun

Synonyms of sustenance

Examples of sustenance in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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