sustain

verb

sə-ˈstān How to pronounce sustain (audio)
Definition of sustainnext
1
as in to nurture
to supply with nourishment a granola bar should sustain you long enough to last until lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to undergo
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it sustained serious injuries in the car crash

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3
as in to endure
to put up with (something painful or difficult) I won't sustain such insolence!

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to carry
to hold up or serve as a foundation for that old chair won't sustain your weight

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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
  1. nurture
  2. undergo
  3. endure
  4. carry
  5. satisfy
  6. experience
  7. tolerate
  8. support
Verb
  • His work also expanded to include education, most notably the creation of The Blumey Awards in 2013, a high school musical theater program that has served as a national model to nurture young professional talent.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 2026
  • As a woman in a field traditionally dominated by men, Strandquist has a knack for nurturing and encouraging guests, especially women, to discover the world of sport fishing through approachable, customized experiences.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of nurture
Verb
  • Since military prototypes often undergo multiple design revisions, such modifications are considered a normal part of the aircraft development process.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The group recommends that unapproved synthetic peptide products, currently being obtained from mostly unregulated sources, undergo rigorous regulatory evaluations before licensing.
    — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 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
  • An identical sports risk carries a 51% tax through one legal door and an exchange fee through the other.
    — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • How to prevent mosquito bites in Pittsburgh There are precautions people can take to help prevent mosquito bites, including bites from the species carrying West Nile Virus.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of carry
Verb
  • A day later, the Twins satisfied another need with a trade for starting pitcher Dean Kremer.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Tillis also said the agreement reached with Blanche satisfies his concerns.
    — Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of satisfy
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
  • Stefan Rittner, senior portfolio manager at Allianz Global Investors, said markets were more likely to accept measures that improve productivity, labor supply and long-term growth than spending aimed mainly at supporting consumption.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Reuters — Japan’s government is portraying its accelerating military buildup not only as ​a way to protect the country but as a route to greater prosperity, arguing in ‌its latest defence white paper that arms production can support economic growth.
    — Reuters, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of support

Browse Nearby Words

suspiring
sustain
sustainable
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Cite this Entry

“Sustain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustain. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of sustain for Spanish Speakers

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