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 Wash with cold water unless the tag indicates your activewear can withstand warm water. —

Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026 Engineers have refined these high-performance concrete formulations to withstand extreme heat and saline coastal conditions, a bid for the tower’s longevity. —

Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 18 Feb. 2026 And the infrastructure that contains it needs to be able to withstand frequent chills down to that temperature. —

Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026 Rail traffic between Newark and Seacacus is being funneled into only one track, which is meant to withstand trains in both directions. —

CBS News, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for withstand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstand

Verb

He was arrested and booked into Imperial County Jail on suspicion of murder and resisting a peace officer.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Yoon was first detained in January 2025 after resisting attempts to arrest him in a weeks-long standoff with authorities at his home in Seoul.

— Helen Regan, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026