Synonyms of stand by

stand by 1 of 2

verb

as in to keep (to)

to give steadfast support to

no matter how much people object, I will stand by my decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

• keep (to)
• abide by
• hold to
• live up to
• defend
• stick (to or with)
• adhere (to)
• cling (to)
• accept
• hew (to)
• support
• cultivate
• follow
• adopt
• endorse
• embrace
• cleave (to)
• confirm
• advocate
• reinforce
• enforce
• uphold
• back
• heed
• bolster
• foster
• cherish
• espouse
• champion
• buttress
• boost
• backstop

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• give up
• take back
• recall
• defect (from)
• relinquish
• abandon
• reconsider
• withdraw
• forsake
• disagree (with)
• desert
• revoke
• surrender
• spurn
• renounce
• retract
• refute
• disprove
• recant
• deny
• dispute
• rebut
• renege
• abjure
• negative
• contradict
• controvert
• negate
• repudiate
• disclaim
• disavow
• abnegate
• gainsay
• disown
• back down
• unsay
• back off
• backtrack

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• anchor
• backbone
• mainstay
• reliance
• pillar
• crutch
• dependence
• buttress
• right hand
• spine
• prop
• stay
• refuge
• anchorage
• sinew(s)
• handmaiden
• bolsterer
• harbor

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of stand by

Verb

Thus, its Midwest premiere — and the first production of it ever to be mounted by a North American dance company — doesn’t meddle much with the trope of a woman who stands by her (very) imperfect partner. — Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

The Nationals stood by the decision, stubbornly convicted in their process. — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Noun

But anyone returning to their old lunchtime standbys is likely to find a different kind of restaurant waiting for them — one that seemingly highlights everything on the menu except traditional salads. — Renée Onque, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

Becoming a content creator has officially elbowed out old standbys like doctor and astronaut as the job that Gen Z and Gen Alpha most aspire to have. — Julianna Pillemer, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026