Definition of abidenext
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as in to live
to have a home the charming fantasy that fairies abide in the cup-shaped flowers dotting the woodland floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abide differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abide are bear, endure, stand, suffer, and tolerate. While all these words mean "to put up with something trying or painful," abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

When is bear a more appropriate choice than abide?

The words bear and abide are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

When could endure be used to replace abide?

While in some cases nearly identical to abide, endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

In what contexts can stand take the place of abide?

The meanings of stand and abide largely overlap; however, stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

When might suffer be a better fit than abide?

The synonyms suffer and abide are sometimes interchangeable, but suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

When can tolerate be used instead of abide?

The words tolerate and abide can be used in similar contexts, but 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 abide One of life’s abiding mysteries—at least to this writer—has been Tesla’s enduring success over recent years despite offering so few choices for customers. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 9 Apr. 2026 By cutting off roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply over the past five weeks, Iran’s blockade of that narrow waterway caused an energy crisis and fears of a global recession that the White House could not abide for long. Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026 Spoelstra said the respect for Dusty May is abiding. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026 Our fascination with the royals includes an abiding love of their jewelry. Jessica Gibbs, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abide
Verb
  • Burrow has dealt with injuries throughout his career but remains one of the premier talents at the position when healthy.
    Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • But the billionaires’ tax cuts remain.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2026
Verb
  • Strong, deep-rooted, living hundreds of years and towering skyward even as their massive limbs reach out expansively, these trees evoke awe.
    Joseph Bonasia, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2026
  • Those samples were compared to DNA donated by those known to be living descendents of the men aboard the expedition, the University of Waterloo said in a news release.
    Kerry Breen, CBS News, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Succulents are often native to hot or desert climates, and can tolerate abundant sunlight.
    Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 12 May 2026
  • Even in the latter part of his career, at the weekly newspaper New York Observer, his writings lost none of their sting, and indeed often seemed like an unappetizing leftover from an era when sour personal swipes were more tolerated.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Uthmeier and his team must continue their fight in this pivotal case to protect preborn children.
    Kimberly Bird, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026
  • The similarities continued in the third period when Quinn scored the Sabres’ sixth goal on a power play, just as Demidov did in Game 5.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 17 May 2026
Verb
  • On most plays, Division III defenders couldn’t even stay close.
    Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
  • Active families, newlyweds, solo travelers, fit friends, long-together couples, locals meeting for drinks—there’s a lovely mix of guests staying at (and just visiting) the property.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • The series begins with a husband and wife filmmaking duo who moved to Colorado City, where many FLDS people still reside, even after their alleged prophet, Warren Jeffs, was sent to prison.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
  • Fifty years later, Porter and his family reside in Omaha with support from an expansive community.
    Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Williams, who endured an up-and-down 2025 with the Yankees, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his sixth save in seven opportunities.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 17 May 2026
  • The tradition endures even as most people quietly agree that art probably shouldn’t be co-opted by the agendas of nation-states.
    Sebastian Smee, The Atlantic, 16 May 2026
Verb
  • The attack began in midmorning and lasted for hours in the capital of Kyiv, the western city of Lviv near Poland, and the port of Odesa on the Black Sea, among other population centers, Zelenskyy said on the Telegram messaging app.
    Hanna Arhirova, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
  • In a segment expected to last a few minutes, ABC News reporter Will Ganss will preview this weekend’s YMCA Famous Idaho Potato Marathon & Fun Runs.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 13 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abide. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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