Synonyms of withstand

withstand

verb

with-ˈstand 

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

• resist
• oppose
• fight
• repel
• defy
• combat
• thwart
• contend (with)
• challenge
• contradict
• buck
• hinder
• counter
• stem
• contest
• frustrate
• obstruct
• check
• dispute
• battle
• balk
• foil
• baffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• yield (to)
• submit (to)
• succumb (to)
• surrender (to)
• bow (to)
• give in (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• knuckle under (to)

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

Recent Examples of withstand

However, recent events, like an Israeli strike in Doha and an Iranian attack on Ras Laffan, are testing whether this diversified network can withstand multiple, simultaneous crises, particularly concerning mediation's protective role. — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

The crabs also burrow in the muddy seafloor to hide from predators and better withstand winter temperatures. — Kasha Patel, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Just as worrisome, though the Times has the resources and fortitude to withstand this pressure, the same may not be true of other news organizations. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 July 2026

But to hold on to the third-place spot, England needed to withstand a wild comeback attempt by the French. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2026