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

Amazon’s fashion store is stocked with wrinkle-free travel pants under $50 that can withstand long flights and being packed in a suitcase. — Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026

Both foldables also have an IP48 rating, which means they're protected against solid objects larger than 1mm and can withstand submersion in about five feet of water for up to 30 minutes. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 25 July 2026

The pressure is real, but so is the opportunity to build something that can actually withstand the test of time. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026

Plaintiffs’ market definitions bear no relationship to the realities of today’s marketplace and cannot withstand scrutiny. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 24 July 2026