withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand How to pronounce withstand (audio)
wit͟h-
withstood with-ˈstu̇d How to pronounce withstand (audio)
wit͟h-
 ; withstanding
Synonyms of withstand

transitive verb

1
a
: to stand up against : oppose with firm determination
especially : to resist successfully
b
: to be proof against : resist the effect of
… withstand the impact of a landing …—Current Biography
2
archaic : to stop or obstruct the course of

Synonyms of withstand

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oppose, combat, resist, withstand mean to set oneself against someone or something.

oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Examples of withstand in a Sentence

cookware that can withstand high temperatures I couldn't withstand the rigors of army life. They withstood attacks from many critics.
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.
Rollable displays must withstand repetitive bending and stress when the panel is rolled out. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 5 July 2026 Not every promising study will withstand larger clinical trials. — John R. Gordon, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2026 Restraints on competition that are deemed reasonable by courts are more likely to withstand antitrust scrutiny. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 7 July 2026 With two on and two out, Williams had runners on second and third, but managed to strand them to withstand the push by the NL East’s best team. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for withstand

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English withstandan, from with against + standan to stand

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of withstand was before the 12th century

Rhymes for withstand

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Browse Nearby Words

with (something) to spare
withstand
withstander
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Withstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withstand. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

withstand

verb
with·​stand with-ˈstand How to pronounce withstand (audio)
wit͟h-
withstood -ˈstu̇d How to pronounce withstand (audio) ; withstanding
: to stand against : resist
especially : to oppose successfully

More from Merriam-Webster on withstand

Nglish: Translation of withstand for Spanish Speakers

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