SUSTAIN Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

sustain

verb

sə-ˈstān

Definition of sustain next

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 That is more than a third of their time not going toward creating, leading or building the relationships that sustain a creative business, but toward managing logistics that pile up, whether the organization is growing or not. —

Victoria Chynoweth, Rolling Stone, 20 Apr. 2026 This story of star-formation is ubiquitous throughout our natural history, with sextillions of stars populating our observable Universe today, with nuclear fusion providing the sustaining energy for most modern stars. —

Big Think, 20 Apr. 2026 May humanity in the United States find a way to sustain itself as food, rent and emotional support are stripped away. —

Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026 The student sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment at the scene. —

Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sustain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustain

Verb

Ultimately, leading with love or care in the workplace nurtures a culture of empathy, compassion, and authenticity, driving organizational success and fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment among team members.

— Rebecca Ahmed, Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026
Few wallpapers can nurture a childhood love of Fauvism with so little effort, but this ambling and pastoral mural can raise your little one to appreciate the finer things in life.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2026