as in support
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
1
as in nurturing
to supply with nourishment
a granola bar should sustain you long enough to last until lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in experiencing
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it
sustained serious injuries in the car crash
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in enduring
to put up with (something painful or difficult)
I won't sustain such insolence!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in supporting
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 sustaining
Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 Jan. 2026
However, filmmakers, producers, distributors, sales agents, publicists, critics, sponsors, and former Sundance staff — many of whom credit the festival with launching or sustaining their careers — spoke on background or off the record.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2026
But the pandemic was a time when all the pressures of sustaining life and livelihood in America fell on top of our complex, notoriously bureaucratic health care system, including drug manufacturing.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Okongwu left Wednesday night’s game in Boston after sustaining a dental fracture during the fourth quarter.
—Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides during the war could reach 2 million by spring, with Russia sustaining the largest number of troop deaths for any major power in any conflict since World War II, according to an international think tank report published Tuesday.
—Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Celebration feels good in the moment, but sustaining success requires focus over fanfare.
—Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
On-Demand paratransit will operate for life-sustaining trips only.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Jan. 2026
Awareness, communication and collective responsibility are essential to sustaining a safe environment for all members of out FMU family.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
And for Hoka, sustaining double-digit percent growth over the medium term will depend on expansion into lifestyle.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 30 Jan. 2026
However, filmmakers, producers, distributors, sales agents, publicists, critics, sponsors, and former Sundance staff — many of whom credit the festival with launching or sustaining their careers — spoke on background or off the record.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2026
But the pandemic was a time when all the pressures of sustaining life and livelihood in America fell on top of our complex, notoriously bureaucratic health care system, including drug manufacturing.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
Okongwu left Wednesday night’s game in Boston after sustaining a dental fracture during the fourth quarter.
—Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides during the war could reach 2 million by spring, with Russia sustaining the largest number of troop deaths for any major power in any conflict since World War II, according to an international think tank report published Tuesday.
—Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Celebration feels good in the moment, but sustaining success requires focus over fanfare.
—Jasmine Browley, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
On-Demand paratransit will operate for life-sustaining trips only.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Jan. 2026
Awareness, communication and collective responsibility are essential to sustaining a safe environment for all members of out FMU family.
—Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustaining
Noun
-
Savannah Guthrie, who temporarily stepped away from her NBC duties, including plans to co-host the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, issued a plea through social media asking for prayers and public support as the search continues.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Many of Minaj’s online attacks have been over the governor’s support of transgender children.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Colton is looking for a nurturing and compassionate family that will provide him with patience, support and consistency.—
The Star,
Kansas City Star,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Researchers believe that healing the gut microbiome by nurturing the good gut bacteria is key for good health.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Scientific consensus now recognizes fish as sentient beings capable of experiencing suffering.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Feb. 2026
-
These findings complicate popular claims that the world is experiencing a runaway increase in inequality.—
Chelsea Follett,
Oc Register,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The enduring scent of burning garbage, used as one of the sole means of ridding neighborhoods of their trash.—
Ruth Jean-Marie,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Camellias symbolize enduring love and admiration, making this winter bloom a more meaningful Valentine’s gift than predictable roses.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The chair of the Federal Reserve is tasked with combating inflation in the United States while also supporting maximum employment.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Irving was caught when the State Police got a tip on May 29, 2025, from the smartphone messaging company Kik, which reported that three files shared on its platform appeared to be child pornography, according to a law enforcement affidavit supporting the charge.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
These kitchens have moved away from ’90s diet culture and toward satisfying, wholesome meals.—
Annie Daly,
SELF,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Just spending time with him is satisfying enough.—
Rick Kogan,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The 46-year-old victim suffered life-threatening infection and severe injuries after undergoing surgery on May 7, 2023.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Sundance also arrives in Colorado at a time when the state is undergoing changes.—
Lisa Kennedy,
Denver Post,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Specifically, kids this age are developing key emotional regulation skills, such as tolerating disappointment, embarrassment, as well as frustration and anger.—
Liz Regalia,
Parents,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Junipers tend to be rather tough plants, tolerating heat, drought, and poor soils.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sustaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustaining. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
