Synonyms of suffer

suffer

verb

ˈsə-fər 

1

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

• undergo
• endure
• experience
• have
• see
• know
• feel
• witness
• sustain
• taste
• receive
• encounter
• pass
• go through
• accept
• meet
• assimilate
• digest

2

as in to grieve

to feel deep sadness or mental pain

the husband suffered deeply at the mere suggestion that he had been unfaithful

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grieve
• mourn
• ache
• sigh
• sorrow
• anguish
• hurt
• agonize
• cry
• bleed
• weep
• sob
• groan
• tear one's hair
• torment
• eat one's heart out
• pine (away)
• long (for)
• moan
• bewail
• torture
• languish
• lament
• bemoan
• regret
• smart
• rue
• deplore
• howl
• bawl
• wail
• keen
• blubber
• rack
• take on
• yammer
• yowl

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• joy
• glory
• rejoice
• laugh
• triumph
• beam
• cheer
• delight
• assure
• sympathize
• exult
• comfort
• reassure
• ravish
• crow
• soothe
• console
• commiserate
• solace

3

as in to permit

to give permission for or to approve of

contends that the death penalty is something that no civilized society should suffer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• permit
• allow
• have
• tolerate
• stand for
• admit
• green-light
• agree (to)
• endure
• acquiesce
• authorize
• license
• concede
• consent (to)
• OK
• accede (to)
• grant
• sanction
• warrant
• assent (to)
• commission
• condone
• accord
• support
• vouchsafe
• countenance
• brook

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• forbid
• prohibit
• enjoin
• hinder
• veto
• refuse
• ban
• impede
• deny
• reject
• obstruct
• withhold
• suppress
• revoke
• proscribe
• disapprove
• censure
• dislike
• disallow
• deplore
• check
• restrain
• keep
• curb
• repress
• interdict
• frown (at or on)
• grudge
• discountenance
• disfavor

4

as in to let

to fail to prevent (some behavior on someone's part) especially from neglect or indifference

I will not suffer you to insult me so!

Synonyms & Similar Words

• let
• tolerate
• allow
• ignore
• permit
• put up with
• forgive
• disregard
• condone
• overlook
• excuse
• brush (aside or off)
• pardon
• indulge
• shrug off
• give in (to)
• cater (to)
• wink (at)
• brook
• humor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• prevent
• block
• bar
• prohibit
• forbid
• constrain
• discourage
• deter
• interfere (with)
• impede
• inhibit
• curb
• frustrate
• hold back

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

Recent Examples of suffer

In the 2017 elections, Republicans suffered sharp defeats in the Virginia and New Jersey governor’s races, with Virginia Democrats sweeping all three statewide offices and winning a majority in the state General Assembly. —Jamelle Bouie, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025

Without Phillips, Chop Robinson was supposed to step up opposite of Bradley Chubb – that is, until the second-year edge rusher suffered a concussion against the Ravens. —Miami Herald, 8 Nov. 2025

The next day after Van Ness suffered the injury, LaFleur suggested the issue wasn't serious. —Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

Dos Santos’ latest injury, a fractured cheekbone suffered early in last week’s loss to the Timbers, could be a season-ender. —Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Nov. 2025