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 Bruins’ defense withstood the Ducks’ final push and celebrated a signature victory during a turnaround season. — Elias Esquivel, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

Iran has spent the past 15 years developing an economy specifically designed to withstand American economic warfare. — Narges Bajoghli, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026

Monroe didn’t necessarily have that many students using vouchers – 851 compared to 8,249 in traditional and charter schools – but the math of the formula could not withstand even that number. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026

The antiquated federal code lacks any guidance for building these homes to withstand earthquakes, wildfires or tornadoes. — Arindam Chowdhury, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2026