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 There is no specific income requirement, but participants must demonstrate an ability to sustain themselves in the state. — Scott Neuman, NPR, 24 July 2026 The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, which received roughly 10% fewer complaints over than span, has sustained six racial bias allegations against deputies. — Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 Rather than accumulating treasure, they are believed to safeguard natural forces that sustain life and ensure abundant harvests. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026 Visibility gained from celebrity supporters has helped sustain the group, Alviar Horton said. — ABC News, 24 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

Despite Venezuela’s petroleum-rich reserves, its citizens have endured extreme poverty, food insecurity and political instability for decades.

— Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026
If Republicans pressed ahead with a potpourri of government spending to shore up shuttered agencies, vulnerable incumbents would have to endure two unlimited Senate vote-a-ramas.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 23 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

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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Cite this Entry

Style

“Sustain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustain. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of sustain

verb

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