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 It was later determined that an involved officer sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene. — Harry Harris, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 Others from albums like 2024’s All Life Long sustained a spell that lingered. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026 The Panthers’ wideout room is crowded, even after rookie Chris Brazzell sustained a season-ending knee injury in camp. — Mike Kaye august 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2026 Security researchers have demonstrated that agents can sustain operations over long periods, adapt when controls change, share useful discoveries and continue working without a human selecting every next action. — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sustain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustain

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

Neither side, however, is under any illusion about the nature of the enduring competition.

— Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
The classic coaster, affectionately known as Monty by fans and Zoom by Knott’s, has endured a seemingly endless series of stops and starts during the past four years.

— Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 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

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

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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Style

“Sustain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustain. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sustain

verb

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