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

Companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic, backed by significant capital reserves, should be able to withstand periods of turbulence even if market expectations are reset. — Arjun Kharpal,kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

Built to withstand thermal runaway The technology also needed to handle the harsh conditions that occur when lithium-ion batteries enter thermal runaway. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 14 Aug. 2026

Today’s roofing, siding, decking, and pavers are lower maintenance, more durable than older iterations, and designed to better withstand all kinds of conditions, including high winds, hail, wildfires, and flooding. — Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026

Its rugged build boasts an industry-leading IP68 waterproof rating alongside drop protection that can withstand 1-meter falls onto concrete. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026