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 In 2022, for example, a team of researchers in Paris reported that sustained mental effort led to the accumulation of glutamate in the lateral prefrontal cortex, a brain region responsible for cognitive control. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026 Tanquilut cautioned that some of CVS's recent retail pharmacy gains have come as Walgreens and other competitors have closed stores, raising questions about whether the growth can be sustained. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026 The committee also credited the Broncos with playing Oregon close in the season opener before Ducks quarterback Dante Moore sustained a season-ending concussion later in the year. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2026 The research agency, ORF Middle East, said that support for tourism businesses and efforts to restart events could become harder to sustain if the conflict drags on. — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sustain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustain

Verb

Visitors will also learn how these three plants protect and nurture one another when planted together, in honor of National Native American Heritage Month.

— Kat Tran November 7, Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2026
The reward for those who have worked hard to nurture their brain in seeking a rewarding and fulfilling career and life.

— Ellis Verdi, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of nurture

Verb

The naming convention reflects the Evans family's enduring optimism about Africa and their commitment to celebrating its colorful heritage.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Reactors require specialized internal hardware that can endure conditions hotter than the solar core.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of endure

Verb

The track’s watery percussion and acute synth stabs carry all the implication of a dancefloor, even without a beat.

— Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 4 Nov. 2026
Ossoff, 39, began the cycle as a top Republican target and the only Senate Democrat running for reelection in a state Trump carried in 2024.

— Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of carry

Verb

An evening spent learning something absorbing can be satisfying simply because the world feels a little less familiar afterward.

— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 7 Nov. 2026
However, public clouds don’t always satisfy the legal, operational and security requirements of a sovereign environment.

— Karan Alang, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of satisfy

Verb

These connections may experience interference or dropouts independently of the control link, meaning a pilot can sometimes lose the camera feed while retaining control of the aircraft.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
Even the heartiest of travelers can experience altitude sickness there and may require supplemental oxygen.

— Carrie Kahn, NPR, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of experience

Verb

Voters who are feeling flush may be willing to tolerate a degree of self-dealing from politicians that becomes insupportable when grocery bills are high.

— Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 1 Nov. 2026
Most of the new towers remain concrete structures, but they’re now typically clad in glass, metal or masonry, and the frame — while expressed — is generally whipped up into a more interesting confection than Mies would have tolerated.

— Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of tolerate

Verb

Kurtz also pointed to declines in cities like San Francisco, which is moving to support more sober-living options, housing that bans drugs and alcohol.

— Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026
However, until recently the US has selectively supported investigations, for instance into war crimes in Darfur and during the Syrian civil war, and – under President Biden – into Russian atrocities in Ukraine.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of support

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suspiring

sustain

sustainable

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Style

“Sustain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustain. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of sustain

verb

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