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as in to undergo
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it willingly suffered hardships so that their children would have a better life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb suffer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of suffer are abide, bear, endure, stand, and tolerate. While all these words mean "to put up with something trying or painful," suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

When is it sensible to use abide instead of suffer?

While in some cases nearly identical to suffer, abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

When can bear be used instead of suffer?

In some situations, the words bear and suffer are roughly equivalent. However, bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

Where would endure be a reasonable alternative to suffer?

The words endure and suffer can be used in similar contexts, but endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

When is stand a more appropriate choice than suffer?

The synonyms stand and suffer are sometimes interchangeable, but stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

When would tolerate be a good substitute for suffer?

The words tolerate and suffer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.

refused to tolerate such treatment

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 suffer A little boy died after suffering an allergic reaction at school, an inquest has heard. Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 1 July 2025 On May 23, in a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park the 31-year-old two-time All-Star suffered a strained right quadriceps muscle, and has been on the injured list ever since. Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 As always, there’s a risk that gas prices could start climbing again if something else goes wrong in the Middle East, US refineries suffer outages or hurricanes season interrupts energy supplies. Matt Egan, CNN Money, 1 July 2025 Stocks have made an impressive comeback after suffering steep declines in April, after Trump’s sweeping tariff policy pushed the S&P 500 near bear market territory. Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for suffer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffer
Verb
  • The Bayern Munich midfielder has had a long road to recovery, too — 70 to 80 rehab sessions — since undergoing knee surgery on January 30.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 6 July 2025
  • The process to get a promotion at work is undergoing a dramatic transformation with AI driving the change.
    Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Dogs, the nation's most-popular pet, were also called challenging to raise and grieve.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
  • This has led some to publicly chastise the grieving parents for seeking vengeance over justice, a criticism that Kristi addressed in a Facebook post on Thursday, July 3.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 4 July 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, lock your home upon departure and disconnect utilities and appliances.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
  • Cooper noted that only personal items like a purse or brief briefcase are permitted, so don’t bring rolling bags, luggage and other unapproved items.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Don’t let anyone take the meeting in the wrong emotional direction.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Leiter responded with a strikeout, but a wild pitch let Lukes reach second before Ernie Clement hit a soft single to Volpe.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • Beyond the West Coast, Florida’s luxury market also endured a turbulent year.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 6 July 2025
  • The couple hasn't tied the knot, yet their nearly two-decade relationship has endured more than most marriages.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • The world has mourned the loss of 27 campers and counselors, and 10 girls are still missing, according to the camp.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 7 July 2025
  • The Bruins community is mourning at the passing of one of the great characters in the club’s century-long history, Lyndon Byers, who died on Friday at the age of 61.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • Trump has announced a deal with Vietnam that would allow U.S. goods to enter the country duty-free, while Vietnamese exports to the U.S. would face a 20% levy.
    Brit Morse, Fortune, 6 July 2025
  • The law went into effect on July 1, and allows pregnant women to use accessible parking spaces for up to one year after the date of issuance.
    Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • But since azaleas tolerate heavy pruning and respond by sending out new shoots all along remaining stems, the shrubs work well when sheared into a formal hedge.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2025
  • More precisely, Jews have been subjected to an invidious double standard: attacks, verbal and physical, that would never be tolerated against Blacks, gays and other minorities are not only tolerated, but often justified when directed at Jews.
    Alan M. Dershowitz, New York Daily News, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffer. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

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