sustenance

noun

ˈsə-stə-nən(t)s How to pronounce sustenance (audio)
Definition of sustenancenext
as in food
something that maintains or stimulates the intellect my only sustenance on the long flight was a trashy novel I'd bought in the airport

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 sustenance The cave’s inhabitants also extracted marrow from bones for sustenance, according to the study. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026 The method could combat refuse accumulation and provide sustenance in remote or disaster locations — or in space someday. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026 Bovines are a blessing The sentiment comes from the respect people here have for cows, seen for many generations as providers of sustenance and prosperity. — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 27 Aug. 2026 Flies are tenacious insects constantly in a relentless search for sustenance. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sustenance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustenance
  1. food
  2. nourishment
Noun
  • In Weeds Pests may be drawn in by weeds, which can serve as a shelter and food source until spring.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The stains, her mother remembers, were caused by chocolate syrup from a chocolate fountain, strawberries, tequila, catered Mexican food from their favorite restaurant — all from the wedding reception.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of food
Noun
  • The nourishment is, of course, physical with the delicious, simple food — but the experience is so much more than that.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Next is nourishment, which is about making sure that the space created by the loss of your person isn’t only filled with pain.
    — Naomi Barr, Flow Space, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of nourishment

Browse Nearby Words

sustains
sustenance
sustentation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sustenance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustenance. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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