1
as in nurturing
to supply with nourishment
a granola bar should sustain you long enough to last until lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
as in support
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of sustaining
Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Church member Greg Mikat was shot three times, according to the GoFundMe his sister has organized, sustaining injuries to his leg and chest and remains hospitalized, after confronting the gunman.
—Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
More important than a big opening weekend is sustaining momentum.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2025
But patience also is warranted with veteran linebacker Jaelan Phillips, who spoke this week of the challenges of returning to football after sustaining a torn Achilles and torn ACL in consecutive seasons.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson will likely be out until the November international break after sustaining a hamstring injury.
—David Ornstein, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Compatibility is what creates lasting, sustaining relationships that can weather real-world challenges.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
Achieving this would represent a significant milestone in the field, which has historically focused on achieving and sustaining the necessary plasma conditions rather than on electricity conversion.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
Birdville answered, with its offense sustaining its best drive of the night with big pass plays from Zach Wells and steady running from Christian Kargbo.
—Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
Her friend and the owner of the car was taken to the hospital after sustaining minor injuries.
—Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025
Church member Greg Mikat was shot three times, according to the GoFundMe his sister has organized, sustaining injuries to his leg and chest and remains hospitalized, after confronting the gunman.
—Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025
More important than a big opening weekend is sustaining momentum.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2025
But patience also is warranted with veteran linebacker Jaelan Phillips, who spoke this week of the challenges of returning to football after sustaining a torn Achilles and torn ACL in consecutive seasons.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson will likely be out until the November international break after sustaining a hamstring injury.
—David Ornstein, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Compatibility is what creates lasting, sustaining relationships that can weather real-world challenges.
—Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
Achieving this would represent a significant milestone in the field, which has historically focused on achieving and sustaining the necessary plasma conditions rather than on electricity conversion.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
Birdville answered, with its offense sustaining its best drive of the night with big pass plays from Zach Wells and steady running from Christian Kargbo.
—Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustaining
Verb
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For a high-value science and craft project, the Creativity for Kids Grow 'N Glow Terrarium Kit gives your little ones the chance to see how nature works by planting and nurturing their own mini-ecosystem.—
Tabitha Britt,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Oct. 2025
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And help your child develop empathy and nurturing skills.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This comes as Fort Lauderdale, especially its affluent downtown area, is experiencing a flurry of flashy real estate developments, young professionals moving in and overall economic growth.—
Amanda Rosa,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Toxic positivity combines a belief that being optimistic will change an outcome with attempts to deny, minimize, and invalidate what teams are experiencing.—
Mita Mallick,
Big Think,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Hernández was enduring a season so miserable that he was benched at one point in early September.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The Thrilla in Manila between the two fighters stands as a testament to each of their enduring legacies of perseverance.—
Ray Padilla,
Louisville Courier Journal,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Beautiful clean coal has been a reliable energy source supporting American communities and economic growth for generations.—
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Since winning the primary in June, Mamdani has taken steps to come toward moderate voters who have been lukewarm in supporting him.—
Amie Parnes,
The Hill,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Stanching the hemorrhage of voter support requires some bold moves and tangible achievements.—
Jeff Kingston,
Time,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Clean and sleek, they can be worn while sightseeing, thanks to their next-level support and cushioning, but are classy enough to be worn out to dinner.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
For something more casual, Grigg Street Pizza slings satisfying slices, pies, and sandwiches.—
Sarah Buder,
AFAR Media,
2 Oct. 2025
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The finish is long, oaky, and fruit-laced leaving behind notes of spice, sweetness, and the satisfying heat of a stronger pour.—
Gege Reed,
Louisville Courier Journal,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Two mountain lion cubs found orphaned and malnourished in March have been released back into the wild after undergoing rehabilitation at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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The building was reportedly undergoing an unauthorized expansion.—
Britt Clennett,
ABC News,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
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And while European diplomats were for many years eager to court Vučić, even tolerating hedging tactics that saw Serbia expand ties with Russia and China, that changed amid the president’s response to months of protest.—
Hanna Begić,
The Conversation,
29 Sep. 2025
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The future will not be secured by tolerating lies or retreating into despair.—
Carolyn McKinney,
Boston Herald,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sustaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustaining. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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