as in keeps (to)
to give steadfast support to
no matter how much people object, I will stand by my decision
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Recent Examples of stands by
Walter stands by his pledge, Dodgers president Stan Kasten said.
—
Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Daisy stands by, literally helpless.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2026
Associate commerce director Lori Keong stands by the notion that jewelry is a disappointment-proof gift.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
And amazingly, LaFleur stands by his decision to kick a field to this day.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
The entire institution stands by those freedoms and our work.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
In the background, a man stands by, carrying tissues for Itsaragrisil.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Yet, Heneghan stands by the early-career design that she — and her firm — may always be best known for.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Barclays stands by neutral rating and $1,100 price target Analyst Kannan Venkateshwar’s target implies about 11% downside from Tuesday’s close.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Daisy stands by, literally helpless.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2026
Associate commerce director Lori Keong stands by the notion that jewelry is a disappointment-proof gift.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
And amazingly, LaFleur stands by his decision to kick a field to this day.
—Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
The entire institution stands by those freedoms and our work.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
In the background, a man stands by, carrying tissues for Itsaragrisil.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
Yet, Heneghan stands by the early-career design that she — and her firm — may always be best known for.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025
Barclays stands by neutral rating and $1,100 price target Analyst Kannan Venkateshwar’s target implies about 11% downside from Tuesday’s close.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stands by
defends
Verb
-
Prosecutor defends plea agreement Two men accused of firing shots after the 2024 Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory rally are still awaiting trial.—
Jack Harvel,
Kansas City Star,
25 Mar. 2026
-
Cronin defends sideline intensity Sunday’s matchup is one of those that could have an alternate broadcast with cameras locked on both coaching boxes.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stands by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stands%20by. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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