sustains

present tense third-person singular of sustain
1
as in nurtures
to supply with nourishment a granola bar should sustain you long enough to last until lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in undergoes
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it sustained serious injuries in the car crash

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in supports
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 sustains This difference influences how nuclear fuel behaves and how a reactor sustains fission. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 In this account, its processing does not intrinsically continue the fourfold coherence through which nature sustains intelligence. — Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 As a genre that sustains narrative variety and experimentation through cutting-edge style, horror almost certainly produces more than any one fan has time to find, let alone watch. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 Something that died but will not stay dead, that sustains itself by feeding on the living and destroying them in turn. — Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026 Those rights include a political inclusivity that sustains democracies. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Oct. 2026 Her work reflects a deep commitment to standing with the people whose labor sustains communities across California. — The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 The lake creates a temperate microclimate that sustains one of the country’s most productive fruit-growing regions—and makes this the best possible place to forget a packed lunch. — Mike Norton, Midwest Living, 26 Sep. 2026 The Ellis-Beauregard Foundation provides resources and support for artists, engages with the community, and sustains the legacy of its founding artists, Joan Beauregard and David Ellis. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustains
Verb
  • The result is a shoe for everyone who nurtures, Saucony noted.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Additionally, an irrigation system that uses recycled water nurtures the lush tropical landscape.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • To strengthen the troublesome solar cell interface, the NIMTE research team inserted an ultra-thin indium chloride intermediate layer that undergoes a localized reaction upon heating.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Plaza Hotel will close in January 2027 for at least four years as the landmark undergoes extensive restoration work, the hotel said in a press release shared with Fox News Digital.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The point is to capture love and humanity that endures in the face of that extreme violence.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The camaraderie endures even in success, and is palpable in a viral clip from June of the cast watching and then raucously celebrating as the New York Knicks pulled off an electric comeback in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Public health officials say there is no conclusive scientific evidence that supports using cat’s claw for any health purposes.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The approach also supports flexible battery replacement and scalable operation.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In an email, Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Emily Hilliard said that every committee member satisfies the FDA’s ethics requirements.
    — Amy Maxmen, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • In an email, HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard wrote that every committee member satisfies the FDA’s ethics requirements.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This looting comes as Vinted Group experiences exceptional growth.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
  • With all the characters in the show, there’s an exploration of losing control, taking control and relinquishing control, and Chris experiences all of those.
    — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Even if your skin generally tolerates exfoliation well, dermatologists warn that AHAs can increase sun sensitivity, making your skin more vulnerable to UV damage.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Start with a small glass (about 4 ounces) and gradually increase as your body tolerates it.
    — Lindsey DeSoto, HEALTH, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • After a quiet day otherwise, Riley exploded for 33- and 72-yard rushing touchdowns to finish as the game’s leading rusher with 128 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Snoring can be a signal of undiagnosed sleep apnea, which carries cardiovascular risk.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sustains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustains. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster