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

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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 Federal law also bars unauthorized immigrants from owning firearms — a rule that withstood a recent challenge in federal court. —

Paul Kiefer, jsonline.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Remarkably, school meals have proven a solution that can be truly transformative in the face of these challenges, improving health and education while helping withstand environmental and economic shocks. —

Reem Alabali Radovan, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026 The area rug has received more than 1,400 perfect ratings, with many praising its beauty and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. —

Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026 Make sure they are designed to withstand ice and cold temperatures. —

Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for withstand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstand

Verb

Crystals are materials whose particles form repeating patterns that resist deformation, commonly seen in nature as snowflakes, diamonds, or table salt.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026
Besides, Wall Street’s infatuation with AI was likely too hard to resist.

— Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 29 Jan. 2026