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 An early care and education workforce registry would verify their education, training, experience and employment, helping to sustain their careers and providing policymakers with information to support broader labor force solutions. —

Robert E. Buchanan, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2026 Any pivot toward diplomacy that includes sanctions relief — whether proposed in Washington or Berlin — ignores the fundamental Machiavellian truth that a regime hated by its own people cannot be saved by its external fortresses, but it can be artificially sustained by foreign gold. —

Liram Koblentz-Stenzler, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026 Meanwhile, the boat did not sustain structural damage. —

David Chiu, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026 Organize a payment, clean up a workflow, or make one habit easier to sustain. —

Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sustain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustain

Verb

An astute judge of talent, Metheny has hired and nurtured a fair number of outstanding musicians in his bands over the years from far and near.

— George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
The goal is to nurture emerging, talented up-and-comers in the fields of modern and contemporary art curation.

— News Desk, Artforum, 6 May 2026