WITHSTAND Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'withstand' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of withstand are combat , oppose , and resist . While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," withstand suggests a more passive resistance. // trying to withstand peer pressure

Q: When could 'combat' be used to replace 'withstand'?

While the synonyms combat and withstand are close in meaning, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something. // combat disease

Q: Where would 'oppose' be a reasonable alternative to 'withstand'?

The words oppose and withstand can be used in similar contexts, but oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare. // opposed the plan

Q: When might 'resist' be a better fit than 'withstand'?

The synonyms resist and withstand are sometimes interchangeable, but resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it. // resisting temptation

withstand

verb

with-ˈstand

Definition of withstand next

as in to resist

to refuse to give in to trying to withstand the temptation to use the beautiful weather as an excuse to take a mental health day

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb withstand differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of withstand are combat, oppose, and resist. While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

When could combat be used to replace withstand?

While the synonyms combat and withstand are close in meaning, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

Where would oppose be a reasonable alternative to withstand?

The words oppose and withstand can be used in similar contexts, but oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

When might resist be a better fit than withstand?

The synonyms resist and withstand are sometimes interchangeable, but resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

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 withstand Russell showed off some of the vehicle's key features, including a buoyant main body made from syntactic foam, a high performance material designed to withstand enormous pressure while maintaining flotation at massive depths. —

Jacob Wycoff, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2026 Vast ensured the watch could withstand vibrations and pressure changes and be compatible with the Haven-1 on-board environment. —

Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026 Possible solutions now being explored include tougher solid electrolytes that can better withstand stress, microscopic voids that redirect dendrite growth, and protective coatings on lithium electrodes to reduce dendrite formation during charging. —

Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026 As comfort was key in the sunroom and library where a daybed became a daily napping spot, the windows were covered in custom Pindler curtain fabrics to withstand the sun. —

Anne Hardy, Architectural Digest, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for withstand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstand

Verb

The addition of the Kevlar core allowed the fiber to resist deformation and store enough energy to double its jumping height, which matches the capabilities of soil-dwelling insects like springtails.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
In January, Francisco Manzo was charged with assaulting a peace officer with a deadly weapon and four counts of resisting an officer.

— Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026