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

Why Some Glass Can Break in the Microwave Certain types of glass can break in the microwave due to their inability to withstand high heat and rapid temperature changes. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025

The defense has continued to withstand injuries, most notably to captain and linebacker Fred Warner. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 8 Nov. 2025

Samples of the Yuba County home’s walls even withstood ballistic testing, Lin said, as they were taken to a range and shot with guns multiple times. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025

Chase gives Robert a knowing glance that conveys goodbye; his body just isn’t strong enough to withstand superspeed anymore. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 7 Nov. 2025