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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Made from high-density polyethylene with a realistic wood-grain finish, the table and six chairs are designed to withstand the elements without fading, rotting, or warping. —

Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 June 2026 Each of these summer bedding picks is lightweight enough to withstand the summer heat and breathable, too. —

Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2026 States that have streamlined permitting, strengthened RPS frameworks and designed tax credit incentive programs that can withstand legal scrutiny are already seeing results. —

Tom Bitting, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 The handwoven wicker is wrapped around a sturdy steel frame that's built to withstand the elements, while the weather-resistant cushions come with removable, machine-washable covers for easy upkeep. —

Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for withstand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstand

Verb

The Ground Above, her follow-up to 2022’s Weather Alive, resists the tacit assumption that an artist’s catalogue should walk a straight line.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026
Ask for the dressing on the side, or resist ordering the extra ranch dip or heavily marinated meat.

— Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 25 June 2026

Definition of resist

Verb

But Newsom disagreed, and the opposing sides of the measure failed to reach a compromise ahead of the Thursday deadline to withdrawal a measure.

— Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026
The prospect of the wealthy fleeing the state is among the reasons that prominent Democrats such as Newsom opposed it, given California’s budget being so reliant on the state’s most prosperous residents.

— Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026