withstand

[with-stand, with-] / wɪθˈstænd, wɪð- /

VERB

endure, bear

Synonyms

STRONGEST

combat cope defy hold off repel resist ride out suffer thwart tolerate weather

STRONG

brace brave buck confront contest cross dispute duel face fight oppose stand stick take traverse violate

WEAK

fly in the face of grapple with hang on hang tough hold one's ground hold out prevail against put up struggle put up with remain firm sit and take it stand fast stand firm stand one's ground stand up against stand up to stick fast take it take on win out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist disallow help refuse reject surrender

STRONG

agree dodge give up hide loosen support unfasten

WEAK

yield

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.

It acts like a built in support system, reinforcing plant tissues and helping them withstand environmental stress.

From Science Daily • Jun. 29, 2026

It treats historical analogies not as rhetorical shortcuts but as evidentiary claims that must withstand scrutiny.

From Slate • Jun. 26, 2026

Most French schools are not designed to withstand extreme temperatures and lack air conditioning.

From Barron's • Jun. 26, 2026

Sébastien Lecornu said France's Orsan health emergency plan was now moving to level three so the health system could "withstand the strain over time and protect the most vulnerable".

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

The crowding trees withstand the drizzle as an artificial sunlight filters through the thick leaves.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera

Vocabulary lists containing withstand

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