as in flies
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
a hypothesis that won't stand up to close analysis
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Recent Examples of stands up
However, by the end of the film, Cameron finds his voice and stands up to his father, crashing the Ferrari through a glass window in the process.
—
Emma Urdangen, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
Midway through the proceedings, one of Paul’s friends stands up.
—Zinzi Clemmons, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
In the video, Jessie, who is wearing a blue bikini, puts one foot on her husband's thigh and the other on his shoulder, hooking it around his neck, and stands up steadily while flashing her arm muscles at the camera.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
Every generation stands up to serve.
—CBS News, 24 May 2026
The juicy dark meat stands up to the creaminess of the sauce.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026
Flowering in vibrant red, purple, or pink blooms (depending on the species), beebalm stands up to four feet tall, making a statement at the back of beds and borders.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 May 2026
Ivan Reitman One of the most beloved movies of all time, the original Ghostbusters still stands up as the best in the series … by far.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2026
Elphaba stands up against the corrupt Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) while the frenemies evolve their relationship and sing a lot in an unexpectedly relevant fantasy flick about standing up for what’s right.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
Emma Urdangen, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
Midway through the proceedings, one of Paul’s friends stands up.
—Zinzi Clemmons, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
In the video, Jessie, who is wearing a blue bikini, puts one foot on her husband's thigh and the other on his shoulder, hooking it around his neck, and stands up steadily while flashing her arm muscles at the camera.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
Every generation stands up to serve.
—CBS News, 24 May 2026
The juicy dark meat stands up to the creaminess of the sauce.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026
Flowering in vibrant red, purple, or pink blooms (depending on the species), beebalm stands up to four feet tall, making a statement at the back of beds and borders.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 May 2026
Ivan Reitman One of the most beloved movies of all time, the original Ghostbusters still stands up as the best in the series … by far.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2026
Elphaba stands up against the corrupt Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) while the frenemies evolve their relationship and sing a lot in an unexpectedly relevant fantasy flick about standing up for what’s right.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stands up
Verb
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The American flag flies behind a Wall Street sign near the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City on April 22, 2026.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
15 June 2026
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Now, Cecil always flies with the super slim bladeless pocket knife.—
Kristy Alpert,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
That’s not how the numbering system works.—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
16 June 2026
-
The six-minute quasi-title track works as a centerpiece, its compressed qanun (a stringed Middle Eastern instrument, played here by the acclaimed Syrian musician Maya Youssef) looping in the background as electronic pulses, foreboding pianos, and disembodied voices swirl around the mix.—
Alex Robert Ross,
Pitchfork,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
McDowell isn’t convinced the comparison holds up.—
Chris Stokel-Walker,
Scientific American,
12 June 2026
-
That show really holds up, though.—
Marah Eakin,
Vulture,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stands up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stands%20up. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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