as in kept (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
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 stood by
For its part, Poland has stood by its commitments to the alliance.
—
Thomas Nagorski, Time, 3 June 2026
In an email sent to university leadership after the settlement was agreed, Mearns stood by his decision to fire Swierc.
—Drew Pittock, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Cornyn is also backed by the campaign arm of Senate Republicans and many of his Senate colleagues have stood by his side despite the president's endorsement, citing their belief that Paxton’s past controversies could put this safe Republican seat at risk.
—Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 26 May 2026
Adalah’s international advocacy coordinator Miriam Azem stood by the allegations.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 22 May 2026
French director Arthur Harari stood by his signing of an open letter sounding the alarm over tycoon Vincent Bollore’s growing influence on the French media and entertainment sectors at the press conference for his Cannes Competition film The Unknown on Tuesday.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 May 2026
The two stayed friendly afterward, and Williams stood by Longet when tragedy and scandal struck a year later, in 1976.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Nora’s at a crossroads, knowing the stability of Tom, the man who stood by her when cancer took its toll, is the safe option.
—Jay Weissberg, Variety, 14 May 2026
Buster has stood by his father, maintaining his innocence during and after his trial.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Thomas Nagorski, Time, 3 June 2026
In an email sent to university leadership after the settlement was agreed, Mearns stood by his decision to fire Swierc.
—Drew Pittock, USA Today, 2 June 2026
Cornyn is also backed by the campaign arm of Senate Republicans and many of his Senate colleagues have stood by his side despite the president's endorsement, citing their belief that Paxton’s past controversies could put this safe Republican seat at risk.
—Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 26 May 2026
Adalah’s international advocacy coordinator Miriam Azem stood by the allegations.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 22 May 2026
French director Arthur Harari stood by his signing of an open letter sounding the alarm over tycoon Vincent Bollore’s growing influence on the French media and entertainment sectors at the press conference for his Cannes Competition film The Unknown on Tuesday.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 May 2026
The two stayed friendly afterward, and Williams stood by Longet when tragedy and scandal struck a year later, in 1976.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026
Nora’s at a crossroads, knowing the stability of Tom, the man who stood by her when cancer took its toll, is the safe option.
—Jay Weissberg, Variety, 14 May 2026
Buster has stood by his father, maintaining his innocence during and after his trial.
—Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stood by
defended
Verb
-
Throughout his campaign, Mellor has defended his record as a Marine veteran, ties to Flynn and his participation in the January 6, 2021 pro-Trump march that turned into a riot.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
6 June 2026
-
The Knicks center is now 8-for-13 when defended by Wembanyama in the series.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
6 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stood by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stood%20by. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
