ENDURE Synonyms: 113 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'endure' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of endure are abide , bear , stand , suffer , and tolerate . While all these words mean "to put up with something trying or painful," endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties. // endured years of rejection

Q: When is 'abide' a more appropriate choice than 'endure'?

While the synonyms abide and endure are close in meaning, abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest. // cannot abide their rudeness

Q: Where would 'bear' be a reasonable alternative to 'endure'?

Although the words bear and endure have much in common, bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking. // forced to bear a tragic loss

Q: When can 'stand' be used instead of 'endure'?

The synonyms stand and endure are sometimes interchangeable, but stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching. // unable to stand teasing

Q: When would 'suffer' be a good substitute for 'endure'?

While in some cases nearly identical to endure , suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing. // suffering many insults

Q: When is it sensible to use 'tolerate' instead of 'endure'?

The words tolerate and endure can be used in similar contexts, but tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful. // refused to tolerate such treatment

endure

verb

in-ˈdu̇r

Definition of endure

as in to undergo

to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it an elderly couple who have endured the ups and downs of a half century of married life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to tolerate

to put up with (something painful or difficult) at some point we all have to endure the loss of a beloved pet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to remain

to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state the fashion business is built on change, since nobody expects a particular clothing style to endure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb endure differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of endure are abide, bear, stand, suffer, and tolerate. While all these words mean "to put up with something trying or painful," endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

When is abide a more appropriate choice than endure?

While the synonyms abide and endure are close in meaning, abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

Where would bear be a reasonable alternative to endure?

Although the words bear and endure have much in common, bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

When can stand be used instead of endure?

The synonyms stand and endure are sometimes interchangeable, but stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

When would suffer be a good substitute for endure?

While in some cases nearly identical to endure, suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

When is it sensible to use tolerate instead of endure?

The words tolerate and endure can be used in similar contexts, but tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.

refused to tolerate such treatment

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 endure And Smith had spent his teenage summers working in the Sierra as a mule hand, so reporting on the fate of the trees would be a chance to reconnect with a majestic landscape that left an enduring mark on his soul. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 Holiday Fantasy celebrates this enduring legacy, uniting unmatched craftsmanship with the world-class service and personal care that have defined Neiman Marcus for over a century. — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 For Seif Elislam, the enduring reputation of the original raises the stakes for the sequel. — Essie Assibu, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026 Spanning multiple genres and generations, music’s biggest names are coming together to honor the enduring legacy of the undisputed Queen of Country, Dolly Parton. — Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for endure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for endure

Verb

The Bearcat football community came together to support her son, Sam Soto, a third-generation Arlington High student and football player undergoing cancer treatment.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026
The test will be whether the Student List can transition their popular mobilization in the streets into a viable political option that can win an election and govern a country that hasn’t undergone a political transition in over a decade.

— Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of undergo

Verb

Other individuals simply need help learning to tolerate the discomfort of seeing trypophobic images.

— Gabriela Galvin, Scientific American, 26 Oct. 2026
No more broken promises, rampant corruption, or tolerating an elite class living in luxury while the citizens are ignored.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of tolerate

Verb

Such calculations are part of a wider effort to understand why molecular simulations remain challenging.

— Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026
LaGrone was directed not to possess weapons, alcohol or drugs and remain under the care of a person whose initials are noted in a document.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of remain

Verb

Local leaders say the counties’ different histories, growth patterns and economic conditions help explain why residents may experience the region differently.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
As part of the diamond’s journey, members of the Udell family have traveled to Botswana to witness the cutting process firsthand, experience the history of the diamond’s origins and see the craftsmanship behind turning the stone into a rare diamond.

— Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of experience

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endurances

endure

endured

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Style

“Endure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/endure. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of endure

verb

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