SUSTENTATION Synonyms: 41 Similar and Opposite Words

sustentation

noun

ˌsə-stən-ˈtā-shən

Definition of sustentation

as in maintenance

the act or activity of keeping something in an existing and usually satisfactory condition argues that a new toll is needed to pay for the long-term sustentation of the city's bridges

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in preservation

the careful maintaining and protection of something valuable especially in its natural or original state the all-important sustentation of Mount Vernon, Monticello, and other national treasures

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustentation

Noun

But their buildings still need maintenance, school buses still need to run, and teachers still need to be paid.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
During both, the LIGO and Virgo gravitational-wave detectors were down for maintenance.

— Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of maintenance

Noun

While horology businesses often maintain dedicated storefronts, mobile technicians remain vital to the preservation of these instruments.

— La'Tasha Givens, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
In August, the Supreme Court allowed construction to continue, finding that the preservation group likely lacked the right to sue based solely on its objections to the ballroom’s appearance.

— Rebecca Schneid, Time, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of preservation

Noun

Bull Shoals was six feet from the conservation pool level, but Beaver, Table Rock, Bull Shoals, Norfork and Greer's Ferry are all lakes that generate hydro-power, which will be reduced because of the low water conditions.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
The Center for Western Priorities, a conservation advocacy nonprofit, first reported the project through a map tracking data centers on public land throughout the American West.

— Mark Dee, Idaho Statesman, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of conservation

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.

Browse Nearby Words

sustenance

sustentation

sustentations

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“Sustentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustentation. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sustentation

noun

Example Sentences

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