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

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

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3
4
as in supports
to hold up or serve as a foundation for that old chair won't sustain your weight

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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 Ruffian, racing on the lead, sustains a severe leg injury and is pulled up by jockey Jacinto Vasquez. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 Rubbed out by the day’s events, the kolams—an art form that sustains the diurnal rhythm of the universe—are faithfully recast the next morning. Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026 Instead, Price opts for slow builds and gratifying payoffs, creating a tension that sustains the momentum of the record without getting lost in the details. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 3 July 2026 That requires attacking the system that sustains Russian forces—not just the armies on the front lines. David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 What starts as a series that aims to subvert the heist genre at every turn – amped with thrilling life-or-death stakes, family dynamics, and explosive action – gives birth to an exploration of what drives us, sustains us, and ultimately destroys us. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 June 2026 The platform sustains itself through foreign exchange margins and standard transaction fees. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 June 2026 The addition of glycerin in Matkas’s serum sustains the formula’s quenching effects. Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 21 June 2026 The push out of their respective comfort zones is sweaty, arduous, and, the series suggests, exactly the kind of exertion that sustains a relationship. Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustains
Verb
  • The advent of artificial intelligence is giving a new shine to a liberal arts education, which career experts say nurtures the skills valued by employers as AI increasingly changes the workplace.
    Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 12 June 2026
  • The song references having a safe space to express yourself and that is what Pride represents - a community that protects and nurtures its own.
    Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • The chronos symbol atop Helios undergoes several lighting effects not seen during daylight hours.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 July 2026
  • Carrier air wings can be reassigned quickly if one carrier undergoes maintenance or if operational priorities change.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • The memory endures of seeing Lionel Messi trudging through a post-match mixed zone looking haunted after Argentina were knocked out of the 2010 World Cup and of Cristiano Ronaldo fighting back the tears after various disappointments with Portugal.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Mexico’s World Cup run may be over, but for many Mexican Americans, its emotional impact endures.
    Alfredo Corchado, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • The developer behind the skyscraper – the former Pfizer headquarters being converted into apartments – previously told CNN that faulty column supports carrying too much weight were to blame, and the building has since been stabilized.
    Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • The program supports people with limited income who are blind, age 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability.
    Britta Miller, The Washington Examiner, 11 July 2026
Verb
  • Rival clubs may need to see their goaltending fail before stepping up with an offer that satisfies Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.
    Murat Ates, New York Times, 9 July 2026
  • The problem is that, even though the product satisfies the need, the consumer didn't care.
    David Mahbub, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • One in six people globally now experiences loneliness, with social isolation contributing to more than 871,000 premature deaths every year.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
  • In the meantime, drink lots of fluids and rest as your body experiences the digestive symptoms.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Our constitution is color-blind, and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens.
    Tom Campbell, Oc Register, 4 July 2026
  • This fuss-free group of plants tolerates challenging growing conditions, including heat, drought, and humidity and the gorgeous foliage is unbothered by deer and rabbits.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Pollonia Fashion boutique Vanilla carries resort wear by Greek designers, including bold print dresses and flowing caftans.
    Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026
  • The notion of remaining in your childhood home well into your adult years carries an enduring stigma, suggesting a failure to launch.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 11 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sustains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustains. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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