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withstanding

ADJECTIVE
defensive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
opposing
STRONG
averting conservative foiling forestalling preservative preventive thwarting
WEAK
arresting balking checking coping with defending frustrating guarding in opposition interrupting protecting resistive safeguarding uptight warding off
Antonyms
WEAK
undefensive unprotective unwary unwatchful
ADJECTIVE
on guard
Synonyms
WEAK
alert averting cautious checking defending expectant guarding preservative preventive protecting safeguarding vigilant warding off watchful
ADJECTIVE
recalcitrant
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fractious obstinate rebellious unruly wayward
WEAK
contrary contumacious defiant indomitable insubmissive insubordinate intractable opposing radical refractory resistant resisting stubborn undisciplinable undisciplined ungovernable unmanageable untoward unwilling wild willful
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agreeable compliant manageable obedient yielding
WEAK
amenable passive
ADJECTIVE
tough
Synonyms
STRONGEST
hard healthy resilient solid stiff tenacious tight vigorous
STRONG
firm fit hardy stalwart stout
WEAK
brawny cohesive conditioned dense durable fibrous flinty hard as nails hard-bitten hardened indigestible inflexible leathery lusty mighty molded resistant rigid robust rugged seasoned sinewy steeled strapping tough as nails unbreakable unyielding
Antonyms
STRONGEST
slack soft weak
WEAK
delicate fragile unstable vulnerable wobbly
NOUN
endurance
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ability capacity courage fortitude grit mettle patience perseverance persistence stamina strength tenacity tolerance vitality
STRONG
allowance backbone bearing cool coolness guts gutsiness heart moxie pertinacity pluck resignation resistance resolution restraint spunk standing starch submission sufferance suffering toleration will
WEAK
continuing enduring forebearance holding up intestinal fortitude undergoing
Antonyms
STRONGEST
apathy cowardice idleness impotence inability incompetence indifference indolence intolerance lack laziness lethargy timidity weakness
STRONG
compliance fear resistance
WEAK
end fleetingness
NOUN
imperviousness
Synonyms
STRONG
battle blocking check combat contention counteraction cover defiance detention fight friction hindrance holding immunity impedance impediment intransigence obstruction protection rebuff refusal retardation safeguard screen shield stand struggle support unsusceptibility watch
WEAK
halting impeding insusceptibility parrying protecting striking back warding off
Antonyms
STRONG
aid assistance harm help hurt injury liberation peace promotion truce
NOUN
insusceptibility
Synonyms
WEAK
battle blocking check combat contention counteraction cover defiance detention fight friction halting hindrance holding immunity impedance impediment impeding imperviousness intransigence obstruction parrying protecting protection rebuff refusal retardation safeguard screen shield stand striking back struggle support unsusceptibility warding off watch
NOUN
renitence
Synonyms
WEAK
battle blocking check combat contention counteraction cover defiance detention fight friction halting hindrance holding impedance impediment impeding intransigence obstruction opposition parrying protecting protection rebuff refusal renitency retardation safeguard screen shield stand striking back struggle support warding off watch
NOUN
renitency
Synonyms
WEAK
battle blocking check combat contention counteraction cover defiance detention fight friction halting hindrance holding impedance impediment impeding intransigence obstruction opposition parrying protecting protection rebuff refusal renitence retardation safeguard screen shield stand striking back struggle support warding off watch
NOUN
resistance
Synonyms
STRONGEST
battle defiance fight intransigence protection refusal struggle support
STRONG
blocking check combat contention counteraction cover detention friction hindrance holding impedance impediment obstruction rebuff retardation safeguard screen shield stand watch
WEAK
halting impeding parrying protecting striking back warding off
Antonyms
STRONG
aid assistance help liberation peace promotion
WEAK
compliance conforming cooperation submission

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.

Critical to withstanding pressure from the Middle East war is a long-term push by Beijing to ensure energy security, which experts say is now bearing fruit.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

The Ukrainian president is the same as ever—steadfast, with a nervous system that seems fireproof and capable of withstanding anything.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

The Indiana Pacers toppled the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 117-114 on Friday, withstanding a 47-point performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to win an NBA Finals rematch.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

The 29-year-old responded admirably, withstanding three set points to level at 5-5 and maintaining that momentum to wrest control of the tie-break and avoid a decider.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

The design was so elegant, so adept at exploiting the strength of thin strands of steel, that the wheel appeared incapable of withstanding the stresses placed upon it.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson