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.
The comedian said if the government agreed funding to clubs "as almost a form of insurance" to keep trying new acts and supporting emerging talent "then we'd have an industry that can sustain itself".
From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026
They’re not certain that oil prices can sustain their current levels, which is why the profit forecasts haven’t risen more than that.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
No one needed his blessing to enter the race, or his backing to sustain their candidacy.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
But a nation can only sustain 1% of its population in arms at any given time.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026
Wives took up work outside the home, earning what they could to sustain their families over the rough patch.
From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
