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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 primate, who has since been named Azules, was transported to the zoo in critical condition — suffering from malnourishment, skin and coat issues and an upper respiratory infection. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025 But another furious Knicks comeback, combined with Celtics star Jayson Tatum suffering a torn Achilles, put the Knicks up 3-1 with all the momentum. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025 Beer plays Laura, a young piano student in Berlin suffering an unspecified mental crisis at the outset of proceedings. Guy Lodge, Variety, 17 May 2025 Cory Sandhagen dominated Deiveson Figueiredo before the latter suffered a knee injury in a 50-50 position that forced a submission. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for suffer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffer
Verb
  • The citywide system of tornado sirens was being replaced and had undergone testing Thursday, according to Russell.
    Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 19 May 2025
  • The Celtics star has already undergone surgery to repair the issue, potentially helping to aid his recovery.
    Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Set in the near future after Ukraine has emerged victorious in its war with Russia, the film follows a philosophy professor grieving the death of his wife whose life is upended when the ancient Greek gods return to Earth.
    Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 18 May 2025
  • Beneath the bondage and demands, there’s genuine caring between Ray and Colin, like when the former assembles his crew to celebrate the latter’s birthday, or when Ray helps a grieving Colin collect himself.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • While prices have been falling steadily for two years now, annual permitting activity in the city, which exploded between 2019 and 2022, already started slowing down in 2024.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Justice Elena Kagan said whether some states could become magnets for pregnant migrants to give birth, should the high court let the order take effect for some, would create a patchwork of citizenship policies among states.
    Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • This was a unique way of letting fans know when the Chiefs will be playing this season.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • There has been action enough in the Grand Tour’s first week to fill three, with general classification (GC) expectations shattered, enduring class on display, and even a surprise new wearer of the pink jersey.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 19 May 2025
  • Strat was next, its shape as familiar and enduring as that of a spoon.
    Nick Paumgarten, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The community of 14,000 people mourned the married father of two as a neighborly person who showed up to help others.
    Sophia Tareen, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
  • Henry Long, the father of the victim, released a statement mourning the death of his daughter and calling for Finch to stay in jail.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • According to the press release, Hodge bought his ticket online to participate in the Thursday, May 8, drawing and used the Quick Pick option, which allows the terminal or the retailer to randomly select the numbers for you.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • Use the Mega Backdoor Roth to Boost Tax-Free Savings If your 401(k) plan allows after-tax contributions and in-plan Roth conversions or rollovers to a Roth IRA, consider using the Mega Backdoor Roth strategy.
    Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Hospitals and physician organizations need to stop tolerating second-class treatment.
    Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Most people can tolerate losing as many as two liters of that blood.
    Rich Cohen, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffer. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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