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 Both women withstood some ridiculously unfriendly scrutiny. —

Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026 To figure out if building code standards need to be updated to withstand hurricanes and tornadoes. —

Alexandra Phelps, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026 Three birdies followed later in the round, and that cushion was enough to withstand a double bogey and a bogey on his 15th and 17th holes, respectively. —

Matt Wagner, Daily News, 14 May 2026 Radford Racing School At Radford Racing School just outside of Phoenix, Arizona, every vehicle in the fleet of Dodge muscle cars must withstand not just high heat but incredible pressure. —

Kristin Shaw, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for withstand

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstand

Verb

But the California high school athletics governing body has resisted, sparking outrage from anti-trans groups.

— Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
These allow companies to resist speculative takeover and embed mission and values for the benefit of employees, customers, and/or the broader community.

— Alex Amouyel, Fortune, 14 May 2026