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.

Many were born and raised in coastal towns where the sea has provided sustenance for generations. — Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026 They had been hunted out of existence—shot for personal sustenance, shot for sale as food by market hunters, shot for their hides. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 This uncertainty is a compelling reason to think about the future—and the growing need to store the food and seeds that provide sustenance. — Paola Miglio, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026 One great solution is fast-growing native plants, which can reach several feet tall in just a year and provide shade, shelter, and sustenance for local wildlife. — Haniya Rae, Martha Stewart, 1 June 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 8 Jul. 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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