Definition of suffernext
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as in to undergo
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it willingly suffered hardships so that their children would have a better life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb suffer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of suffer are abide, bear, endure, stand, and tolerate. While all these words mean "to put up with something trying or painful," suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

When is it sensible to use abide instead of suffer?

While in some cases nearly identical to suffer, abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

When can bear be used instead of suffer?

In some situations, the words bear and suffer are roughly equivalent. However, bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

Where would endure be a reasonable alternative to suffer?

The words endure and suffer can be used in similar contexts, but endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

When is stand a more appropriate choice than suffer?

The synonyms stand and suffer are sometimes interchangeable, but stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

When would tolerate be a good substitute for suffer?

The words tolerate and suffer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.

refused to tolerate such treatment

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 suffer The Sunday telecast of the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on CBS suffered a ratings setback with an audience decline of 7% compared with last year’s show. Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026 But his importance to Denver’s offense in 2025 was clear, as the Broncos turned to him as a third option at left guard after backup Matt Peart suffered a season-ending ACL tear. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 14 Jan. 2026 Clark coached San Pasqual for most of the 2023 season after Corley suffered an aortic dissection following the first game. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026 The sheriff's office said the deputy suffered minor injuries and the driver of the vehicle was arrested. Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suffer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffer
Verb
  • Lo previously spoke to PEOPLE about undergoing endometriosis surgery, and posted on Instagram about the disease's impact on her fertility.
    Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026
  • City leaders tout the opening of parks and green spaces as investments into our communities and Magic Johnson Park itself recently underwent an $80 million renovation.
    Rafael Perez, Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In the song, love is as intimate as a boy and a girl talking, as moving as a woman grieving for her son, as transformative as the life of Christ.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
  • In the film, Agnes (Jessie Buckley) and Will (Paul Mescal) are grieving the death of their young son Hamnet.
    Jenelle Riley, Variety, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As argued in his book Abundance, Ezra Klein explains how America's growth has been hindered by well-meaning regulations, permitting requirements, and veto points that have blocked affordable housing, infrastructure, and clean energy development.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
  • If venue personnel deem any person to be a threat, or otherwise unfit, in their sole discretion, he or she will not be permitted access and shall forfeit the prize.
    AJC.com, AJC.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Making sure pan handles are turned outward, moving flammable towels and potholders away from open burners and not letting grease build up.
    Tina Patel, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The straight-leg fit here is the ideal balance for anyone who doesn’t love baggy or wide-leg styles, and the ankle-grazing length lets your favorite winter boots take center stage.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Elordi plays Dorrigo Evans, an army surgeon who becomes a war hero after enduring some time in captivity in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp.
    Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Long before Maduro’s capture, severe blackouts were sidelining life in Cuba, where people endured long lines at gas stations and supermarkets amid the island nation’s worst economic crisis in decades.
    Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • By evening, hundreds were there for a vigil to mourn the death and urge the public to resist immigration enforcers.
    Tim Sullivan, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
  • And as the university mourns Ward’s death, Self helped to put the win in perspective.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Seattle allowed only 20 points in the two games this season as the Seahawks have been able to slow down San Francisco's running game while playing primarily nickel defense with two deep safeties to cut down on big passes.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Jan. 2026
  • The robots handle precise positioning, reduce the risk of door damage, and allow vehicles to be parked closer together.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The shed can tolerate up to 6 inches of snow, prevents rainwater from pooling, and has engineered air vents that ensure optimal ventilation inside.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
  • For families This is the rare wilderness lodge where kids aren't just tolerated—they're given the kind of freedom that barely exists anymore.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffer. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.

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