as in support
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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
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Recent Examples of sustaining
Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 May 2026
The court was told that Paul and her 10-month-old son were in one of the seven cars involved in the collision, resulting in the baby sustaining a broken leg, per Toronto Sun and CBC.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
After undergoing a follow-up MRI earlier this week, Giancarlo Stanton still isn’t ready to intensify his running after sustaining a low-grade calf strain on April 24.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
Led by Major Paul Borowski, the employment section developed an innovative and comprehensive recruitment strategy designed to address immediate staffing challenges while building a hiring pipeline capable of sustaining the department into the future.
—Joy Lepola-Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026
Left-hander Robby Snelling, who allowed three runs in five innings of his big-league debut against Washington last Friday, is out indefinitely after sustaining a UCL sprain in his left elbow.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
The two players were involved in a training-ground fight last week, which resulted in Valverde having to be checked over in a hospital after sustaining a cut to his head.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
These challenges are intensified by Lima’s desert environment, which places ongoing pressure on water resources and urban planning, underscoring the complexities of sustaining a large coastal metropolis.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 May 2026
Margaret moved into his battle station and fought bravely, sustaining three gunshot wounds, until the British captured the post.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
Noun
These molecules could serve as the building blocks of more complex organic molecules, which are vital in the development and sustaining of life.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
The book explores codependency, mental health and the realities of sustaining love under pressure.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 May 2026
The court was told that Paul and her 10-month-old son were in one of the seven cars involved in the collision, resulting in the baby sustaining a broken leg, per Toronto Sun and CBC.
—Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
After undergoing a follow-up MRI earlier this week, Giancarlo Stanton still isn’t ready to intensify his running after sustaining a low-grade calf strain on April 24.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 14 May 2026
Led by Major Paul Borowski, the employment section developed an innovative and comprehensive recruitment strategy designed to address immediate staffing challenges while building a hiring pipeline capable of sustaining the department into the future.
—Joy Lepola-Stewart, Baltimore Sun, 14 May 2026
Left-hander Robby Snelling, who allowed three runs in five innings of his big-league debut against Washington last Friday, is out indefinitely after sustaining a UCL sprain in his left elbow.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
The two players were involved in a training-ground fight last week, which resulted in Valverde having to be checked over in a hospital after sustaining a cut to his head.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
These challenges are intensified by Lima’s desert environment, which places ongoing pressure on water resources and urban planning, underscoring the complexities of sustaining a large coastal metropolis.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 May 2026
Margaret moved into his battle station and fought bravely, sustaining three gunshot wounds, until the British captured the post.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 8 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustaining
Noun
-
When the Moon enters Taurus, support feels steady enough to believe.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
The endorsement comes on the heels of a poll by a super PAC formed in support of Goldman’s that found the congressmember is trailing Lander by 5% in the race.—
Josephine Stratman,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
By discovering and nurturing new talent, this platform ensures the broader industry continues to thrive and flourish.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
13 May 2026
-
The actress and singer, who played the adult version of Chrissy, the neurotic, nurturing and pink-loving part of the film's main friend group, has thoughts on how her life would look nowadays.—
Ilana Kaplan,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Such obsession can be a frightening emotion both for the person experiencing it and for the target.—
Alex Barasch,
New Yorker,
11 May 2026
-
The Sierra Madre Police Department said the 53-year-old man passed away after experiencing a medical emergency on the trail, and that no foul play was suspected.—
Andrew Khouri,
Los Angeles Times,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
As detailed by Variety’s Emily Longeretta and Selome Hailu in our cover story, published in print and online today, CBS’ innovative and enduring unscripted juggernaut has set the standard for the reality-competition genre for 26 years and counting.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
13 May 2026
-
China’s objective is not to fracture the Western alliance outright, but to prevent the consolidation of a fully unified and enduring Western front.—
Yu Jie,
Time,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Expanding access to high-quality early education, supporting the workforce behind it, and giving families clearer information is all part of the solution.—
Tina Dello Russo,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
-
In general, Korean skin care is often formulated with lower-irritation potential and barrier-supporting ingredients, which can be helpful if your skin concerns include dull skin or working toward a more even skin tone—especially for those with sensitive skin.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
December 22 – January 19 A creative idea could click into shape with satisfying precision today.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
-
Meatball sliders make a fun and satisfying lunch the whole family will enjoy.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
The application, earlier reported by the Salt Lake Tribune, is now undergoing legal review and would need more than 5,000 signatures for the referendum to appear on the ballot.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
9 May 2026
-
Right now, the district is undergoing a major downsizing effort, which includes closing schools and laying off hundreds of employees, due to declining enrollment.—
Scott Travis,
Sun Sentinel,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
All are easy to grow and quite adaptable in the garden, tolerating deer, drought, heat, and humidity.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
3 May 2026
-
Investors aren't tolerating that anymore.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sustaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustaining. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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