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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

But this year is different, and the roles are reversed; David and his uncle do the swapping while Peralta stands by to place each sticker carefully into the album. — Maria Jose Gutierrez-Chavez, Curbed, 17 July 2026 Kids walk out with the players and stand by their side while each country’s national anthem is played. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 17 July 2026

Noun

At the time of activation, state agencies placed swiftwater rescue teams, emergency management personnel, transportation crews, law enforcement, and aviation resources on standby to support potential flood response operations. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 15 June 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for stand by

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stand by

Verb

But as a rookie, Wilson doesn’t plan to abide by that hierarchy.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Courts still must abide by their precedents and these three legal pillars if a lawsuit hits their dockets.

— O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 22 June 2026

Definition of abide by

Noun

Celebrity Chef Eric Adjepong, a festival anchor, was particularly impressed by the diverse mango varieties, noting their versatility beyond sweetness for both savory and sweet dishes.

— Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Longtime SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd, injury expert Stephania Bell, talk show host Bart Scott and NFL Network analyst Charles Davis were also laid off as well, according to Front Office Sports.

— Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of anchor

Verb

Reese, Naz Hilman and Madina Okot were held to 28 points combined with Okot scoring 16 – mostly in the fourth quarter.

— Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
After scoring 14 runs to begin this four-game series, the Royals have been held to just five runs in their last 18 innings.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026

Definition of hold to

Verb

The admission was astonishing after his defense team had spent years diligently defending him against the charges.

— Emily Smith, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
In a year where the quality of his car has made any thought of defending his title seem distant, this was a race where Norris looked every bit a world champion.

— Luke Smith, New York Times, 27 July 2026

Definition of defend

Noun

The mainly American mainstays monopolize the market, while denim production has tight margins and is resource-intensive.

— Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 28 July 2026
This update will not include a Last Two Minute report — a mainstay of late-game transparency in the NBA — although Engelbert said the league hopes to adopt these types of officiating resources eventually as investment continues to improve.

— Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026

Definition of mainstay

Noun

While a new deal was not totally ruled out, The Athletic reported Gueye was deemed more likely to leave than stay this summer, and that Everton were keen to reduce their reliance on the midfielder.

— Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 24 July 2026
The ongoing crisis has forced the Middle East’s largest port operator to reduce reliance on the strait.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 23 July 2026

Definition of reliance

Noun

To get there, their strategy called Quantum 2030 is built around five pillars.

— Dr. Jonathan Reichental, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
The Ukrainian attacks on the sprawling Russian warehouses produced stark images, with massive pillars of black smoke rising above fires that raged at facilities of Wildberries, the country’s biggest online retailer and its equivalent of Amazon.

— Dasha Litvinova, Fortune, 24 July 2026

Definition of pillar

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Style

“Stand by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stand%20by. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of stand by

verb

noun

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