endure

verb

en·​dure in-ˈdu̇r 

-ˈdyu̇r,

en-

endured; enduring

intransitive verb

1

: to continue in the same state : last entry 1

the style endured for centuries

2

: to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding

though it is difficult, we must endure

transitive verb

1

: to undergo especially without giving in : suffer

endure hardships

endured great pain

2

: to regard with acceptance or tolerance

could not endure noisy children

Synonyms

• experience
• feel
• have
• know
• pass
• see
• suffer
• sustain
• taste
• undergo
• witness

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

Examples of endure in a Sentence

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

Interest might ebb and flow depending on the person who fills the role, but the kingly complexion of the papacy itself continues to hold enduring intrigue. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025

My body could endure 50 miles of running — but a dinner date? —Nina E. Cerfolio, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025

Our compatibility has endured through all kinds of experiences. —Alexandra Schonfeld, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Never underestimate a woman’s ability to endure pain. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for endure

• abjure
• adjure
• allure
• assure
• brochure
• cocksure
• coiffure
• contour
• couture
• demure
• detour
• ensure

Kids Definition

endure

verb

en·​dure in-ˈd(y)u̇(ə)r 

endured; enduring

1

: to continue in the same state : last

2

: to bear patiently : suffer

3

: to allow to happen or continue : tolerate

endurable

-ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-bəl

adjective

enduring

in-ˈd(y)u̇r-iŋ

adjective

enduringly adverb