withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand 

wit͟h-

withstood with-ˈstu̇d 

wit͟h-

; withstanding

transitive verb

1

a

: to stand up against : oppose with firm determination

especially : to resist successfully

b

: to be proof against : resist the effect of

… withstand the impact of a landing …

—Current Biography

2

archaic : to stop or obstruct the course of

Synonyms of withstand

• resist
• oppose

Choose the Right Synonym for withstand

oppose, combat, resist, withstand mean to set oneself against someone or something.

oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Examples of withstand in a Sentence

cookware that can withstand high temperatures

I couldn't withstand the rigors of army life.

They withstood attacks from many critics.

Recent Examples on the Web

Trees, shrubs and hardy perennials, however, can generally withstand the cold. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Nuclear facilities can require specialized molds capable of producing complex geometries with tight dimensional tolerances while withstanding substantial pressure from the concrete. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026

But the organizations best positioned to withstand uncertainty will also have a broad base of people who choose, month after month, to stay connected to the mission. — Yuriy Boyechko, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026

Unlike Fiveash, the new plant was built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, providing an additional layer of protection for one of the region’s most critical public services. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English withstandan, from with against + standan to stand

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for withstand

• armband
• backhand
• bandstand
• baseband
• broadband
• command
• cropland
• demand
• disband
• dreamland
• expand
• farmhand

Kids Definition

withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand 

wit͟h-

withstood -ˈstu̇d  ; withstanding

: to stand against : resist

especially : to oppose successfully