sustain
Usage
What are other ways to say sustain?
To sustain, a rather elevated word, suggests completeness and adequacy in supporting: The court sustained his claim. To support is to hold up or add strength to, literally or figuratively: The columns support the roof. To maintain is to support so as to preserve intact: to maintain an attitude of defiance. Uphold applies especially to supporting or backing another, as in a statement, opinion, or belief: to uphold the rights of a minority.
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.
Jason Yu, managing director for China at CTR Market Research, says investors should pay close attention to franchisee profitability because rapid network expansion becomes difficult to sustain if operators are no longer earning acceptable returns.
From Barron's • May 26, 2026
Yaroslavsky, who holds a wide lead in fundraising, has said she supports increasing housing density near transit centers but cautioned against building more than the city can sustain.
From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026
The AI trade’s strongest fundamental argument — genuine scarcity — undermines the financial conditions required to sustain the trade’s current valuation.
From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026
“The Boroughs” doesn’t quite sustain its charm at full tilt for the entirety of the eight episodes.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
But in the end, these distinctions are pretty hard to sustain.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
Vocabulary lists containing sustain
List 2
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"Joyas Voladoras" by Brian Doyle
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Mother's Day Words: What Mothers Do
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