Synonyms of withstand

withstand

verb

with-ˈstand 

as in to resist

to refuse to give in to

trying to withstand the temptation to use the beautiful weather as an excuse to take a mental health day

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resist
• oppose
• fight
• repel
• defy
• combat
• thwart
• contend (with)
• challenge
• contradict
• buck
• hinder
• counter
• stem
• contest
• frustrate
• obstruct
• check
• dispute
• battle
• balk
• foil
• baffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• yield (to)
• submit (to)
• succumb (to)
• surrender (to)
• bow (to)
• give in (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• knuckle under (to)

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb withstand differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of withstand are combat, oppose, and resist. While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

When could combat be used to replace withstand?

While the synonyms combat and withstand are close in meaning, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

Where would oppose be a reasonable alternative to withstand?

The words oppose and withstand can be used in similar contexts, but oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

When might resist be a better fit than withstand?

The synonyms resist and withstand are sometimes interchangeable, but resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of withstand

And if there’s any doubt as to whether the electronics withstand the dangers of space, just take some solace in knowing that even tech built more than 50 years ago can be up to the task. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 Apr. 2026

The downturn became a multi‑year test for Blend of whether the underlying business—and its CEO’s operating chops—could withstand a very different market. —Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 2 Apr. 2026

With improved construction and architectural techniques, modern statues can scrape the sky and withstand the elements for centuries. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 Apr. 2026

And while the song became an undeniable hit — withstanding years-long rumors and the test of time to this day — the naysayers weren't wrong. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026