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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 To make matters more frustrating, multiple reports indicated on Wednesday that Clark suffered a bone bruise in her left ankle while rehabbing from her groin injury. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025 Two rehearsals are as far as the production gets before it is quashed by Father, who returns early from overseas: caught mid-rehearsal, the actors suffer shattering shame and can’t look Father in the eye for weeks. Anne Carson, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025 Last year’s Jayhawks were the opposite of lucky, suffering five one-score losses in their first eight games. Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025 The girl suffered a minor injury, but refused medical attention. Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for suffer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffer
Verb
  • The new astronaut candidates will next undergo roughly two years of training at NASA before being certified as full astronauts, eligible for future missions.
    Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Outfielder Alan Roden underwent surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb on Friday.
    Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Police initially treated them as grieving orphans, but they were eventually arrested and charged with first-degree murder in 1990.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Democrats in the state Senate have proposed a constitutional amendment to permit mid-decade redistricting, but this would require a referendum that could only be held in 2027 at the earliest, City and State reported.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • The state is ranked 43rd in housing affordability and permitting for new housing units is down almost 40% compared to the period before the 2008 Great Recession, Moore said.
    Bryan P. Sears, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Based on the Kremlin’s responses to his latest effort at securing a durable peace, the Russians would much rather let the war continue.
    Simon Shuster, Time, 19 Aug. 2025
  • Hill said the next step was to just let the cord dry on its own, taking care not to trap it in a wet or soiled diaper for extended periods and to avoid soaking it at bathtime.
    Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But that mythology has both resonated and persisted for so long because of the actual enduring accomplishments of President Kennedy’s administration.
    Leah M. Wright, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2025
  • The Phoenix Mercury are getting a rare break this weekend after enduring one of the WNBA's toughest stretches of the season.
    Grant Afseth, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • His Family Talk radio colleagues also mourned his death following the unspecified illness.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium is mourning the loss of two animals — a lion and chimpanzee —that recently died, the zoo said on social media.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • This allows players to mentally prepare and get ready to start the game the night before.
    Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The Oklahoma Supreme Court is allowing controversial educational changes to move forward in the state, denying a stay in July to a group of parents, teachers and religious leaders who asked to halt to the implementation of new standards.
    Zulekha Nathoo, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Nearly three-quarters of respondents (74%) believe the television industry tolerates misconduct that would be unacceptable in other sectors.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Fortunately, the ability to tolerate distress can be improved upon.
    Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffer. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.

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