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 series was renewed for its final season last summer, setting the stage for 13 episodes to finally, truly bid farewell to a show that had withstood so much. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026

Every area of technology brings its own evaluation criteria, but the underlying expectation is that claims must be supported by information that can withstand scrutiny. — David Steifman, Forbes.com, 24 Sep. 2026

It is made from a durable, all-weather material that can withstand year-round outdoor conditions without fading, cracking, or rusting. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026

Preparing for the strong El Niño expected in late 2026 and early 2027 means ensuring that critical infrastructure is able to withstand flooding, temperature extremes and other severe weather conditions. — Bethany Tietjen, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026