Definition of sustentationnext
1
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

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2
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

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustentation
Noun
  • Contrary to popular belief, good skin care doesn’t require you to blow through your entire beauty maintenance budget.
    Essence Wiley, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The investigation would evaluate NIPSCO’s vegetation management policies and right-of-way maintenance.
    Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Blumberg and preservation One might imagine that a man nearing 90 and who was a prominent leader in hospitality has grappled with the issue of historic preservation.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The concept of fertility preservation should not be a Hail Mary or a last-ditch effort.
    Dr. Jaime Knopman, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • There are solutions for age verification that are both accurate and privacy preserving.
    Annie Chestnut Tutor, Boston Herald, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Today, the use of motorboats has made the hunt increasingly controversial, placing traditional subsistence practices at the center of debates about culture, livelihoods and marine conservation.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Intended to preserve the human-scale coastal character, conservation values, passive recreation function, neighborhood compatibility and ecological and recreational function of North Hollywood Beach Park and surrounding coastal areas.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Sustentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustentation. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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