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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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

Munro continued to stand by him, sacrificing her relationship with Andrea. — Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 Her husband Kennus Gowans has stood by her side as her health deteriorated over the last few years. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 July 2026

Noun

Police, familiar with unrest in the city, were on standby with cordons of armored cars, which were quickly pelted with projectiles by the rioters. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 9 June 2026 Old standbys have been reborn, too. — Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stand by

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stand by

Verb

And with Brown, VJ Edgecombe and Dean Wade on the roster, James would also be insulated from defending on the perimeter at a high volume.

— Tony Jones, New York Times, 14 July 2026
The defending champions made Kansas City their base camp for the tournament as the team began its quest to become back to back champions for the first time since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

— PJ Green July 13, Kansas City Star, 14 July 2026

Definition of defend

Noun

The top is a mainstay of celebrities’ summer outfits, including Martha Stewart, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and, most recently, Gigi Hadid.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 13 July 2026
Flag lowering and raising ceremonies, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of patriotic songs remain mainstays at many summer camps today.

— Seth T. Kannarr, Fortune, 13 July 2026

Definition of mainstay

Noun

Instead, they must be placed outside the barrier, forcing reliance on indirect measurements during operation and physical inspection after shutdown, according to a press release.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026
The United States on Friday backed a new agreement between Iraq and Syria to rehabilitate an oil pipeline that would provide an alternative route for crude exports and reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz.

— Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 2026

Definition of reliance

Noun

Each strike and counterstrike chipped away at the pillars of the agreement, which has now collapsed, though there are still efforts to salvage it.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 July 2026
The brighter silver paint contrasting the greenhouse and A and D pillars against the darker bronze lower body somewhat detracts from the overall look.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026

Definition of pillar

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stand by

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Style

“Stand by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stand%20by. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of stand by

verb

noun

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