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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

Examples 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 As a man with a good job and a comfortable lifestyle, his father had a target on his back trying to raise his family in L.A. As a result of all the building economic and social pressures weighing on his father’s chest, his family physiologically suffered. Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 The drug cocktail injected in IV bags by Ortiz contributed to numerous patients at the surgical center suffering from cardiac emergencies during routine medical procedures performed by doctors, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024 The inferiority, dictated by protocol, from which the younger brother suffered could have fueled bitterness for years. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2024 More than 94% of loans worldwide have gone to women, who suffer disproportionately from poverty and are more likely to use earnings to help their families than men. Charlie Campbell, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for suffer 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffer
Verb
  • Stars including Evan Peters, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o and James McAvoy have all undergone serious transformations in an effort to bring some of the creepiest characters in cinema history to the big screen.
    Lydia Price, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024
  • The property, previously known as Banyan Cay, has undergone far more than a name change.
    Erik Matuszewski, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • There’s a quicksilver brilliance to her Berniece, a widow still grieving her husband, a daughter acutely feeling the loss of her parents, a mother determined to shield her daughter from generational trauma, and a woman contemplating her own future, romantic, economic, spiritual, and otherwise.
    Radhika Seth, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024
  • There are about as many ways to grieve as there are ways to lose loved ones.
    Christine Pride, SELF, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Halloween-style may not be worn upon entry and in concourses but will be permitted when guests are in seats.
    Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 1 Dec. 2024
  • In the years since the April 2019 fire destroyed the structure’s spire and roof, only those involved in the reconstruction have been permitted to enter the cathedral.
    Jager Weatherby, New York Daily News, 29 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • All the chaos let Zhou Guanyu score his and Sauber’s first points of the season, crossing the line in P8.
    Sam Joseph, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
  • The legendary musician will let audiences further into his world when the intimate new documentary–Elton John: Never Too Late–arrives at Disney+ on 13 December.
    Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 2 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • City has endured an uncharacteristically difficult start to the 2024-25 season having lost Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri to a serious knee ligament injury in September.
    Jamie Barton, CNN, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Bon Duke Love, spats, splits and enduring affinity: creative partnerships that have stood the test of time.
    Kate Guadagnino, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Philadelphia Eagles icon Brandon Graham suffered what looked like a season-ending injury in the last minutes of Sunday's 37-20 win victory over the Los Angeles Rams, and fans are already mourning what may be the final moments of the defensive end's long career.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024
  • While leaders remain indifferent, the people endure: patching what’s broken, mourning what’s lost, and bracing for what’s next.
    Sarah Al Asmar, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Dubbed the Flex and the Stax, respectively, both models in the line are now larger than a standard cardholder, allowing users to take them anywhere with minimal fuss.
    Martin Lerma, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
  • Or try this popular essential oil diffuser that will allow a loved one to customize their new favorite scent.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The Satanic Temple has challenged what religions states will tolerate.
    Peter Greene, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
  • Growing Conditions: Grows fastest in bright light, but will tolerate low light; water when the top inch or two of soil is dry Size: 1 to 3 feet tall and 6 to 36 inches wide Snake plant is toxic to pets1 and young children if eaten.
    Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near suffer

Cite this Entry

“Suffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffer. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

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