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Definitions

make a stand

VERB
challenge
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ask for assert call for claim confront defy demand denounce impose require test try
STRONG
accost arouse beard brave cross dare exact impeach impugn inquire investigate provoke query reclaim stimulate summon tax vindicate
WEAK
call out face down face off face the music fly in the face of hang in insist upon invite competition make a point of object to search out stand up to stick it out throw down the gauntlet
Antonyms
STRONGEST
deny
STRONG
answer calm dodge ignore
WEAK
agreement decision victory
VERB
come to grips with
Synonyms
WEAK
bear bite the bullet brace brave confront contend cope with endure face go to the mat grapple with stomach suffer sustain take withstand
VERB
face
Synonyms
STRONGEST
allow challenge confront deal with encounter endure experience fight meet oppose risk run into suffer take
STRONG
abide accost affront bear beard brace brave brook contend countenance court cross dare defy eyeball resist stand stomach submit sustain swallow tolerate venture withstand
WEAK
be confronted by bit the bullet cope with fly in face of go up against grapple with square off take it take on take the bull by the horns tell off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist avoid disallow discontinue dodge help hold keep refuse reject support surrender yield
STRONG
disapprove evade give in give up halt hide ignore leave resist shun stop veto
WEAK
back retreat run withdraw
VERB
take on
Synonyms
WEAK
brave buck call out confront dare defy denounce dispute face-off go eyeball to eyeball with go one on one with go toe to toe with go up against hang in insist upon investigate invite competition object to question stand up to throw down the gauntlet
Antonyms
WEAK
refuse reject

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In their current negotiations with Notre Dame — their contract expired this fall — USC needs to use its leverage and make a stand.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2025

"We need to make a stand," she said.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2025

These features would serve as firebreaks, places for first responders to make a stand and refuge for fleeing residents.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2025

“I just told our guys, we are going to make a stand and we are going to get better,” Carlisle said.

From Seattle Times • May 20, 2024

There was some one-inch-wide aluminum tubing under the back porch that Dad had brought home from the mine to make a stand for Mom’s bird feeders.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam