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

• 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

Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricanes. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

Long-Term Perspective For long-term investors with a 3-5 year outlook and the ability to withstand volatility, URBN at its current valuation offers an intriguing entry point. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

But the Americans, in full knowledge of Putin’s plans months in advance, assiduously did nothing to suggest a response other than sanctions, which Putin was prepared to withstand. —Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 2025

The 6-ounce ramekins are round to provide even heat and are able to withstand oven temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025

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