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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Weston helped design a waterproof handheld communication device for divers that could withstand the high pressure in diving bells, the open-bottom pressurized chambers that transported them underwater. —

IEEE Spectrum, 5 Mar. 2026 Each is fully weather-sealed, includes anti-smudge fluorine on the front glass, and is built to withstand the rigors of regular use outdoors, at wedding receptions, and in the studio. —

Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026 Her Mist withstood 40 points from Kelsey Plum last night, too. —

Chris Branch, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 Investigators cited inadequate infrastructure that was not built to withstand an air attack, according to records reviewed by ABC News. —

Steven Beynon, ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for withstand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstand

Verb

Designed by Pete and Alice Dye to resist one-note dominance, Sawgrass still works like an equal-opportunity interrogator.

— Jenny Catlin, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2026
One wonders to what extent a statement like that made by one of the most senior politicians in Washington might serve to strengthen Iran’s determination to resist, and how many additional lives will be lost as a result.

— Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 12 Mar. 2026