STANDBY 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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Stellantis rose 6% after the automaker stood by its guidance for the year despite heavy costs related to its turnaround bid. — ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026 Holmes and her partner, Billy Evans, insist she was misquoted; the Times stands by its reporting. — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026

Noun

This old standby has been reinvigorated with new introductions that please on a number of levels. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Sep. 2026 Formulas packed with oils, butters, and skin-care standbys like hyaluronic acid are always helpful. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Aug. 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 debate was moderated by chief political anchor Dennis House and anchor Kathryn Hauser, while CCM’s executive director, Joe DeLong, also asked questions on the panel.

— Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
Leading global funds such as BlackRock, Capital Group and GIC participated in Jio's anchor book portion of the total fundraise, which is set aside for large institutional investors before the IPO opens for public bidding.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 28 Oct. 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

The language that’s known as the backbone of the internet is now subject to what experts describe as one of the most notable vulnerabilities in recent memory.

— Kaitlyn Huamani, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Stocchetto’s son Maurizio, the current owner, marked the 50th anniversary with a light refurbishment but one that kept the vintage backbone intact, from the brocades and mirrors to the marble floor and dark wood panels.

— Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of backbone

Verb

The official also said developing different weapon systems was increasingly urgent, arguing that the country’s armed forces needed to defend national security and deter external threats.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
The Moon’s square to Uranus favors responding to the new situation instead of defending the original promise.

— Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of defend

Noun

Upon its initial release, the album cemented My Chemical Romance's shift from mainstays of the emo scene to mainstream recognition, becoming one of the most inventive bands of the 21st century.

— ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
No one wants to say goodbye to Chargers mainstay Khalil Mack that way, but the veteran defender should be worth a pretty pick to a contender.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of mainstay

Noun

Canada’s Mark Carney is hosting European Union leaders in Montreal to deepen trade, defense and economic ties as both sides seek to reduce reliance on Washington.

— Rob Gillies, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
The others asserted vested development rights and reliance on county representations, leaving only the comprehensive plan challenge, which asserted that commissioners wrongly rejected housing that complied with the county’s growth policies.

— Sarah Kinbar, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of reliance

Noun

Matsui, a pillar of the Democratic establishment, has touted her experience in the House and record of delivering federal funding to the region.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026
For families There’s a comprehensive Ritz Kids program built around four pillars—nature, exploration, culture, and environment—with eco-workshops, nature walks, and babysitting available.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of pillar

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stand by

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“Stand by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stand%20by. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of stand by

verb

noun

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