SUSTAIN Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

sustain

verb

sə-ˈstān

Definition of sustain

as in to nurture

to supply with nourishment a granola bar should sustain you long enough to last until lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to undergo

to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it sustained serious injuries in the car crash

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to endure

to put up with (something painful or difficult) I won't sustain such insolence!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to carry

to hold up or serve as a foundation for that old chair won't sustain your weight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sustain Russia’s problems are real, but the country is nonetheless capable of sustaining the conflict. — Alexander Gabuev, Foreign Affairs, 31 July 2026 When McGrew turned around to pick up the girl, police say she was run over by the pontoon's propeller and sustained serious injuries. — Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 31 July 2026 Kroupi has just undergone surgery for a foot injury sustained in training and with no public timeline yet for his return, Amine Adli could replace him in the opener away to Manchester City. — Luke Bosher, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Ticket sales will never bring in the kind of money theaters need to sustain a robust slate of diverse programming — that will always have to come from donors. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for sustain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustain

Verb

Ultimately, leading authentically is a powerful asset, enabling a life aligned with one's vision and building deep trust, beginning with introspection and self-nurturing.

— ByKaren R. McDaniel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Lassally won two Emmy awards over the years, while discovering and nurturing multiple generations of talent.

— Michael Schneider, Variety, 20 July 2026

Definition of nurture

Verb

America's nuclear power landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, driven by the immense energy needs of artificial intelligence.

— Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
The remains, which were found face down, are set to undergo radiocarbon dating to determine their age.

— Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026

Definition of undergo

Verb

Designed as a retreat from the pace of daily life, the experience reflects Waldorf Astoria’s enduring commitment to intuitive service and personalized hospitality—anticipating guests’ needs while creating space for meaningful pause.

— Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
On both, as ever, his illegible mumble suggests shame in his own voice, or even guilt about being here at all (some of his enduring illnesses relate to PTSD from cradling a dying friend in his lap after a gang attack as a teen).

— Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026

Definition of endure

Verb

That was part of his wider goal of sending endless waves of bomb-carrying drones and robots to hit Russian encampments in a bid to sharply reduce Ukraine’s casualties.

— Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
The port of entry handled $126 billion in trade carried by commercial trucks in 2023, Reuters reported.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of carry

Verb

Tangier in Morocco will receive almost five minutes of totality, while parts of Algeria, Tunisia and Libya will experience between five and six minutes beneath generally favorable August skies.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
People experiencing health emergencies shouldn’t be stuck with surprise bills because someone on their care team isn’t covered by their insurance.

— Lisa Jarvis, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of experience

Verb

Heavy clay also holds onto moisture for an eternity, which many flowers and shrubs can’t tolerate.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 July 2026
Monarch caterpillars eat only milkweed, which grows best in cooler climates, but the butterflies can’t tolerate freezing temperatures.

— Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Definition of tolerate

Verb

His campaign also supports the ballot initiative process — a measure that allows citizens to petition to propose changes to the state constitution.

— Alexa Newsom, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Wi-Fi was quite fast—backed by Starlink—and able to support Zoom calls and remote work.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026

Definition of support

Browse Nearby Words

suspiring

sustain

sustainable

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Style

“Sustain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustain. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sustain

verb

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