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
These cold-hardy crops are the backbone of an early spring garden, capable of withstanding light frosts and continuing to produce as temperatures slowly warm.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Another bonus is that the panels are also more elastic than a wooden frame, making the houses better capable of withstanding earthquakes.
—Vanessa Romo, NPR, 27 Apr. 2026
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
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Another bonus is that the panels are also more elastic than a wooden frame, making the houses better capable of withstanding earthquakes.
—Vanessa Romo, NPR, 27 Apr. 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstanding
Verb
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She was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, tampering with evidence and being in a park after hours.—
Steven Yablonski,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
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The arrests were on various charges, including affray, possession of narcotics, resisting without violence and unlawful possession of a weapon, according to the Tampa Police Department.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
Verb
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When an opposing superstar is cooking, which can happen in the playoffs, their firepower becomes an issue.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
12 May 2026
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Ashlee Casey with the Sacramento Water Forum said that opposing groups including environmentalists, developers, farmers and cities have all reached an agreement on how to best use water that's released from Folsom Dam and flows down the American River.—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Withstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withstanding. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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