endure

verb

en·dure in-ˈdu̇r

-ˈdyu̇r,

en-

endured; enduring

Synonyms of endure next

intransitive verb

: to continue in the same state : last entry 1

the style endured for centuries

: to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding

though it is difficult, we must endure

transitive verb

: to undergo especially without giving in : suffer

endure hardships

endured great pain

: to regard with acceptance or tolerance

could not endure noisy children

Choose the Right Synonym for endure

bear, suffer, endure, abide, tolerate, stand mean to put up with something trying or painful.

bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.

refused to tolerate such treatment

stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

continue, last, endure, abide, persist mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely.

continue applies to a process going on without ending.

the search for peace will continue

last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

buy shoes that will last

endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

in spite of everything, her faith endured

abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

the sense of guilt persisted

Example Sentences

She wants to make sure her legacy will endure. He endured five years as a prisoner of war. We endured the lecture for as long as we could.

Recent Examples on the Web On Tuesday — his 23rd birthday — Araiza talked with the Union-Tribune about the allegations, his fight back and his enduring desire to play football By Teri Figueroa, Lyndsay Winkley May 16, 2023 9:13 PM PT SAN DIEGO — NFL hopeful Matt Araiza said the allegations about him are wrong. —

Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2023 That community has had to endure traffic through the streets and now a gondola above them is horrible. —

Alison Sneag, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2023 But this was tame in comparison to what women living in South Korea have endured in recent years. —

Min Joo Lee, Fortune, 15 May 2023 Stone has been open about the several tragedies she's endured throughout her life — both before and after becoming a mother — including multiple miscarriages. —

Tabitha Britt, Peoplemag, 11 May 2023 Jonathan Blazer, director of border strategies at the ACLU, said Biden’s new measure is ushering in a wave of suffering for people already enduring violence and persecution. —

Arcelia Martin, Dallas News, 11 May 2023 The players have endured injuries and setbacks, invested in physical therapy appointments, and dig and spike despite double knee replacements. —

Lori Nickel, Journal Sentinel, 10 May 2023 Forty years later, 40 years older, I am struck not only by its enduring wisdom but by its profound demands. —

Jane Eisner, Washington Post, 9 May 2023 His enduring love and support for French films, Varda said, includes his oversight of Variety’s 10 Directors to Watch list, which has recently included Alice Diop, Ladj Ly and Julia Ducournau. —

Pat Saperstein, Variety, 7 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'endure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French endurer, from Vulgar Latin *indurare, from Latin, to harden, from in- + durare to harden, endure — more at during

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of endure was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century