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

The Arab world’s first nuclear power plant, which supplies about a quarter of the country’s electricity, was built to withstand the impact of a large commercial aircraft. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Consumer devices were designed to clean floors, not withstand cross-examination; timestamps, firmware changes and retention policies can complicate interpretation. — Jihun Joun, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026

Some investors interpreted his remarks as a sign that the central bank believes the economy can withstand additional rate hikes if they are needed to finally get inflation under control. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

These hardy plants withstand extreme weather, from scorching heat to harsh winters. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 16 Sep. 2026