STAND BY Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

stand by 1 of 2

verb

Definition of stand by

as in to keep (to)

to give steadfast support to no matter how much people object, I will stand by my decision

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

standby

2 of 2

noun

ˈstan(d)-ˌbī

as in anchor

something or someone to which one looks for support our old standby in times of trouble

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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 stand by

Verb

More than once, his white planter friends stood by him in court and kept him from unjust imprisonment and even execution. — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026 But as John’s secrets become known, her ability to stand by silently is challenged. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026

Noun

Colors like the perfectly balanced red Ruby Woo, deep beige Velvet Teddy and bright orchid Heroine are beauty-industry standbys, and the brand offers more than 150 lipstick shades in total. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 Our choice today is English breakfast, another old standby from the pantry. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stand by

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stand by

Verb

But as a rookie, Wilson doesn’t plan to abide by that hierarchy.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026
Courts still must abide by their precedents and these three legal pillars if a lawsuit hits their dockets.

— O. Rose Broderick, STAT, 22 June 2026

Definition of abide by

Noun

The dreamy setting is an ideal spot to drop anchor for a relaxing swim, snorkel, and linger over a bottle of local wine under umbrella pine trees buzzing with cicadas.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026
Howard, a mother of five, called her son energetic and an anchor for his younger siblings.

— Yona Gavino, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of anchor

Verb

Reese, Naz Hilman and Madina Okot were held to 28 points combined with Okot scoring 16 – mostly in the fourth quarter.

— Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 25 June 2026
After scoring 14 runs to begin this four-game series, the Royals have been held to just five runs in their last 18 innings.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2026

Definition of hold to

Noun

Michele Goodwin was once part of the American backbone of the $43 billion global industry.

— CNN Staff, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
Historically a safe haven, the Vineyard is now seen as the epicenter for changing the narrative on diversity, showcasing Black and Brown Americans as the backbone of the nation's economy and future.

— Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of backbone

Verb

Among the men who publicly defended the klan, representing them in court cases in the 1970s and ’80s, was an attorney named John Edmond Mays.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was not among them, however, even going out of his way to defend and support the Democratic leader.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of defend

Noun

Travis Jones has been a mainstay on the Ravens’ defensive line since he was drafted in the third round in 2022.

— Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 23 Aug. 2026
Enter veteran character actor Lin Shaye, whose psychic Elise has been a series mainstay and a reliable provider of expository dialogue, despite the fact that her character died at the end of the 2011 original.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of mainstay

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standards

stand by

standby

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Style

“Stand by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stand%20by. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of stand by

verb

noun

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