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

Their ability to withstand extreme winds therefore depends not only on the structure but on the supports, straps and anchors holding it down. — Daniel Wolfe, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

Organizations that have done the math, tested it and closed the readiness gap will be in a strong position to withstand the next attack, and more likely to still have customers, revenue and credibility when the dust settles. — Michael Wu, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

But while it was designed and tested to be able to withstand the extreme temperatures and conditions on the moon's surface, the upcoming mission seeks to show that this advanced technology can actually work in this environment. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 20 Oct. 2026

The implant must be able to withstand minor impacts from daily activity and maintain connection with an external power source despite movement of the arm and skin. — Greg Uyeno, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Oct. 2026