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.
If needed, all the Gulf monarchies could sustain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz for many months, limiting Iran’s leverage, said Saudi economist Fawaz al-Fawaz, president of the Jood consulting firm in Riyadh.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
Investors appear to be apprehensive about Affirm’s ability to sustain both annual 30% gross-merchandise-volume growth and expand adjusted operating margins, Faucette said.
From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026
Having the flexibility to sustain your lifestyle in a down market is a nice cushion to rest your head on at night.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026
This is why Butterfly Conservation's Magdalen Hill Downs reserve attempts to sustain a range of different habitats, explains the charity's reserves officer, Fiona Scully.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
Suspense grew, and the commissioner did his best to sustain it.
From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg
Vocabulary lists containing sustain
List 2
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Mother's Day Words: What Mothers Do
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"Joyas Voladoras" by Brian Doyle
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