as in resisting
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
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Recent Examples of withstanding
Dussault loves incorporating soft, elevated-performance fabrics into cushions or upholstery to make outdoor seating feel more like indoor living while withstanding the elements.
—
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
When Guthrie anchors the Today show on Easter Monday, a major break in the case withstanding, the Christian spillover-holiday will mark the 65th day since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
And while the song became an undeniable hit — withstanding years-long rumors and the test of time to this day — the naysayers weren't wrong.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
Iran’s strategy widened the arena of conflict, thereby extending the conflict beyond mere military might and into the political and economic realms, with the aim of withstanding bombardment until the conflict becomes too costly for the belligerents to maintain.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
The finished structure contains microscopic channels that allow heat to move efficiently while withstanding harsh operating environments.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
After withstanding barrages that bookended the Utah Mammoth’s losing effort on Friday, the Ducks returned home to await Sunday’s clash with the Buffalo Sabres, the NHL’s hottest team over a span of more than four months.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
Such is life for a Celtics team that doesn’t have the highest ceiling (a Jayson Tatum medical miracle withstanding) but has arguably the highest floor of any team in the East.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
With its silvery-blue needles, the blue spruce is not only an elegant addition to many yards but also is capable of withstanding adverse conditions, including cold weather.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
When Guthrie anchors the Today show on Easter Monday, a major break in the case withstanding, the Christian spillover-holiday will mark the 65th day since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
And while the song became an undeniable hit — withstanding years-long rumors and the test of time to this day — the naysayers weren't wrong.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
Iran’s strategy widened the arena of conflict, thereby extending the conflict beyond mere military might and into the political and economic realms, with the aim of withstanding bombardment until the conflict becomes too costly for the belligerents to maintain.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
The finished structure contains microscopic channels that allow heat to move efficiently while withstanding harsh operating environments.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
After withstanding barrages that bookended the Utah Mammoth’s losing effort on Friday, the Ducks returned home to await Sunday’s clash with the Buffalo Sabres, the NHL’s hottest team over a span of more than four months.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
Such is life for a Celtics team that doesn’t have the highest ceiling (a Jayson Tatum medical miracle withstanding) but has arguably the highest floor of any team in the East.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
With its silvery-blue needles, the blue spruce is not only an elegant addition to many yards but also is capable of withstanding adverse conditions, including cold weather.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstanding
Verb
-
The plainclothes detectives, who were wearing NYPD vests, then dragged Brown on the floor, over shards of broken glass, to the front of the store, ordering him to stop resisting.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Kessman suggests resisting the temptation to start deep-cleaning or creating an entire organizing system at this stage.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Using Hart on Johnson allowed the Knicks to put 6-7 forward OG Anunoby — normally their defensive stopper against opposing wings — on 6-10 center Onyeka Okongwu, who thrives in the pick-and-pop game.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
20 Apr. 2026
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Some of the progressives now opposing Iron Dome funding are arguing that Israel does not need the assistance.—
Andrew Lapin,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Withstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withstanding. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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