SUSTAIN Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

sustain

verb

sə-ˈstān

Definition of sustain

as in to nurture

to supply with nourishment a granola bar should sustain you long enough to last until lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to undergo

to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it sustained serious injuries in the car crash

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to endure

to put up with (something painful or difficult) I won't sustain such insolence!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to carry

to hold up or serve as a foundation for that old chair won't sustain your weight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sustain As the defense industrial base expands internationally, more resources will be needed to sustain these operations at scale and ensure that security standards keep pace with joint manufacturing and innovation. — Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026 Salman's attorneys have asked the judge to set aside the verdict and acquit her, arguing that the evidence presented at trial was legally insufficient to sustain the conviction, according to The Associated Press. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 If sustained, there is an argument to be made that this will help the Fed to achieve its goal of bringing inflation down. — New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 But if the economic environment is unfavorable, or the infrastructure and support systems needed to sustain that new livelihood are absent, those shortcomings may explain the outcome as much as individual decisions do. — Charles Wratto, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sustain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustain

Verb

If curious extraterrestrial visitors were to reconnoiter Earth, they might well be struck by a planet that nurtures such an inordinate number of chickens.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
Thank you, Uncle Tim, for nurturing me in so many ways throughout my life.

— Sean McGowan, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of nurture

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

The Ukrainian capital endured a noisy night as 21 ballistic missiles came in three waves, Zelenskyy said, smashing apartment buildings, energy facilities, a railway station and the Kyiv subway system, shopping malls and businesses.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
In the late ’70s and early ’80s, Lebanon endured an intense civil war.

— Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of endure

Verb

In true dump cake style, add all ingredients to create a pumpkin filling and top with boxed yellow cake mix and butter to create a warm, satisfying dessert that’s perfect for holidays and weeknights.

— Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
The salty bacon and fluffy eggs formed that classic breakfast flavor, while the potatoes added a satisfying heartiness without weighing the taco down.

— Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of satisfy

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

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

More than 120 countries supported the resolution — only three voted against it — Argentina, Israel and the United States.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
The organizers included activist Amy Sousa and commentator Brandi Kruse, who previously helped organize rallies supporting WNBA player Sophie Cunningham.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of support

Browse Nearby Words

suspiring

sustain

sustainable

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sustain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustain. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of sustain

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

reticent

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Pwn, Skibidi, Girlboss and Other Words Added to the 2026 Scrabble Dictionary

The Words of the Week - Oct. 30

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes