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

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