STANDBY Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

stand by 1 of 2

verb

Definition of stand by

as in to keep (to)

to give steadfast support to no matter how much people object, I will stand by my decision

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standby

2 of 2

noun

ˈstan(d)-ˌbī

as in anchor

something or someone to which one looks for support our old standby in times of trouble

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of stand by

Verb

Pulte, who is now also the director of national intelligence, in a statement after Monday's ruling, stood by his accusations. — Dan Mangan,luke Fountain, CNBC, 29 June 2026 In many places, no one is standing by with a stopwatch to enforce the rule. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 26 June 2026

Noun

Police, familiar with unrest in the city, were on standby with cordons of armored cars, which were quickly pelted with projectiles by the rioters. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 9 June 2026 Old standbys have been reborn, too. — Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stand by

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stand by

Verb

And with Brown, VJ Edgecombe and Dean Wade on the roster, James would also be insulated from defending on the perimeter at a high volume.

— Tony Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
The defending champions made Kansas City their base camp for the tournament as the team began its quest to become back to back champions for the first time since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

— PJ Green July 13, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

Definition of defend

Noun

Kelly looks into the camera and declares the Fairway attorney and former Obama Commerce Department official has the strength, judgment and backbone to continue her legacy.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 10 July 2026
In those neighborhoods, buses are the backbone of mobility, and improving them is among the most effective ways to expand opportunity.

— Mike Flynn, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026

Definition of backbone

Noun

The top is a mainstay of celebrities’ summer outfits, including Martha Stewart, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and, most recently, Gigi Hadid.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 13 July 2026
Flag lowering and raising ceremonies, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of patriotic songs remain mainstays at many summer camps today.

— Seth T. Kannarr, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Definition of mainstay

Noun

To prevent over-reliance on technology, core first-year courses will pilot a ban on electronic devices, compelling students to develop foundational reasoning skills without AI shortcuts.

— Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Platner’s defenders would never concede that his reliance on alcohol obliterated his own credibility.

— Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 11 July 2026

Definition of reliance

Noun

About 42% of Colombia’s territory is covered by Amazon rainforest, and the Petro administration made rainforest protection and a transition away from fossil fuels central pillars of its environmental agenda.

— ABC News, ABC News, 10 July 2026
Early last year, El-Sayed travelled to Washington for introductory meetings with various pillars of the Democratic establishment.

— Jason Zengerle, New Yorker, 10 July 2026

Definition of pillar

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“Stand by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stand%20by. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of stand by

verb

noun

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