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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in anchor
something or someone to which one looks for support
our old standby in times of trouble
Synonyms & Similar Words
Examples 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
Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
Even Big Ten commissioner Wayne Duke was left standing by himself waiting for Hayes.
—Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Louis Jacobson and Amy Sherman, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Dec. 2024
Authorities are still on standby over Christmas and are investigating the matter.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stand by 
Verb
Rollie jumps to the ground and stands by like a good dog.
—Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025
Even Big Ten commissioner Wayne Duke was left standing by himself waiting for Hayes.
—Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
Resources spent on putting activities on standby or maintaining them in an idle mode.
—Louis Jacobson and Amy Sherman, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Dec. 2024
Authorities are still on standby over Christmas and are investigating the matter.
—Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 26 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stand by
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stand by
Noun
-
With places like Miya as an anchor, my hope is that the restaurants that burned can rebuild and that the Altadena/Pasadena restaurant renewal can continue and become even stronger than before.Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
-
The Buckeyes’ defense has been consistently ferocious this season, providing an anchor for an offense that needed to find itself.Chris Branch, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Education is the backbone of society, shaping the mindsets of future leaders, influencers, scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs through a blend of skills and knowledge.William Jones, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2025
-
These critical components form the backbone of your security posture.Kevin Lynch, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Initially founded by Lanny Edwards and Emmett Hahn, with the local businessman Bobby Berryhill's 'Original Chili Bowl' as the main sponsor, the event has grown in prestige and is a mainstay in the motorsport community.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
-
So who beyond lineup mainstays Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro could be asked to step forward?Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Supply chain localization may accelerate as companies reduce reliance on distant suppliers and mitigate geopolitical risks.Rusty Wiley, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
-
Experts urged reliance on art advisors who can guide clients impacted by the fire to appropriate and reputable resources, as well as professional organizations like the American Institute for Conservation.Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Stephens would do well to stop flagellating himself and the Never Trumpers and instead join democracy advocates in defending the rule of law in a dangerous new world.DP Opinion, The Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2025
-
The Biden administration has defended the law by citing a compelling interest in national security.Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have stood as pillars of empowerment and excellence for Black students in America.Melissa Noel, Essence, 8 Jan. 2025
-
Working-class men without college degrees now constitute a pillar of the Republican base, which remains primarily white but increasingly includes Latino men, a majority of whom voted for Trump in 2024.Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near stand by
Cite this Entry
“Stand by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stand%20by. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share