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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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 Quince is known for its high-quality materials, which make their basics look elegant and withstand heavy rotation in my lineup. —

Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026 But the 76ers withstood the punch and took a 55-50 edge into halftime. —

Kyle Hightower, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026 Partrich added that these homes, which meet a set of standards from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, are able to withstand hurricane-force winds. —

Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 3 May 2026 Large-format resin printers can be particularly vulnerable to shipping issues, but the Jupiter 2 feels thoughtfully packed to withstand the journey. —

Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for withstand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstand

Verb

Many Jewish people across the world are Zionists, and so there is a temptation, which needs to be resisted, to hold Jewish people across the world responsible for the misdeeds of Israel.

— Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
Sometimes, that requires making small but meaningful adjustments, like warming washcloths for a patient who resists basic care.

— Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 7 May 2026