1
2
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

3
4

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 Any attorney who fails to abide by this direction will face consequences. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 11 Apr. 2025 These multi-year certifications are rigorous and expensive; therefore, some producers prefer to abide by organic practices but never certify. Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 Designer Jennie Holland abides by the rule of thumb to use no more than three ‘features’ on the exterior. Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2025 West said his hope is the local school boards will voluntarily abide by the measures. Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abide
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abide
Verb
  • Whether cooking for Hollywood stars or crafting simple dishes for his audience, Arya remained grounded in the belief that true success comes from being real, not manufactured.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Hischier remained down on the ice for a few moments after the goal in frustration.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Trump campaigned on tough new immigration enforcement, particularly targeting violent offenders living illegally within the United States.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Blowing Rock The town of Blowing Rock is a delight for those who want to live like a local for a few days.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Treat divergence not as something to tolerate but as a strategic asset.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Some are bred to tolerate warmer or colder temperatures.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Backed by cardinals seeking reform, the low-profile Bergoglio emerged as a surprise contender early on, and his momentum continued.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the risks, many healthcare organizations have continued using these tools due to the lack of clear regulatory guardrails, a situation complicated further by a federal court ruling that blocked the Biden administration’s attempts to curb the use of online trackers in healthcare settings.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For First-Class Mail, the current service standard day range of 1-5 days is staying the same, while the day ranges for end-to-end Marketing Mail, Periodicals, and Package Services are being shortened.
    Bonnie Bolden, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Neither is fleet afoot, and there are warranted worries about Ewers’ ability to stay healthy for prolonged stretches.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Turner has a house in Indiana, while Nist resides in New Jersey.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • As well, the museum challenged the authority of the Manhattan DA’s office, on the grounds that the drawing had not resided in New York for nearly sixty years.
    News Desk, Artforum, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Interest might ebb and flow depending on the person who fills the role, but the kingly complexion of the papacy itself continues to hold enduring intrigue.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • My body could endure 50 miles of running — but a dinner date?
    Nina E. Cerfolio, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Whether through design, real estate, or social initiatives, Yemane’s businesses are all about impact, helping people build wealth, communities, and lasting relationships.
    William Jones, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Officials first broke ground on the site in 2023, but the project fell to a standstill amid lasting COVID-19 pandemic delays and parties’ struggle to finalize a development plan as the size and scope of the project continued to change.
    Sofi Zeman, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Abide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abide. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on abide

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!