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.
While Big Tech stocks may still be flying high, some companies are realizing they can’t sustain this level of spending on tokens.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026
“L.A. is learning to be a place that needs to sustain itself out of balance, in particular, since the fires,” she said.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
American tanker aircraft helped sustain Israeli operations, and officials from both countries worked closely in planning military actions.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
He further noted that both Fed officials and the public have a duty to “safeguard” the central bank’s credibility, which has taken decades to build and sustain.
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
“Muggles remain ignorant of the source of their suffering as they continue to sustain heavy casualties,” said Kingsley.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
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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