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
What most people know about the classic snake plant is that reputation for withstanding neglect.
—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
Swearing at myself, not withstanding.
—Outside Online, 22 Oct. 2025
This admission seemed sad—critics are supposed to take pride in withstanding disagreement.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS, are extremely durable, withstanding heat, water, and oil.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Fast forward to today, and bridges have become some of the most complex feats of engineering on Earth, spanning miles of open water, carrying high-speed rail, and withstanding extreme weather and constant use.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
Pique Interest Low-lift brassica plants make an impact and are known for withstanding light freezes (the cool weather enhances their coloring).
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Leaving this out of the story of tenure prevents scholars from effectively withstanding attacks that seek to remake how academic labor is performed today.
—Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Sunday’s disappointment not withstanding, Minnesota has a good enough team this year to win 10 games and reach the playoffs with a caretaker under center.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025
Swearing at myself, not withstanding.
—Outside Online, 22 Oct. 2025
This admission seemed sad—critics are supposed to take pride in withstanding disagreement.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 17 Oct. 2025
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS, are extremely durable, withstanding heat, water, and oil.
—Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Fast forward to today, and bridges have become some of the most complex feats of engineering on Earth, spanning miles of open water, carrying high-speed rail, and withstanding extreme weather and constant use.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2025
Pique Interest Low-lift brassica plants make an impact and are known for withstanding light freezes (the cool weather enhances their coloring).
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Leaving this out of the story of tenure prevents scholars from effectively withstanding attacks that seek to remake how academic labor is performed today.
—Time, 1 Oct. 2025
Sunday’s disappointment not withstanding, Minnesota has a good enough team this year to win 10 games and reach the playoffs with a caretaker under center.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstanding
Verb
-
The Beverly Hills regular was charged with public intoxication, trespassing, resisting an officer and battery in April 2015, according to Bravo, followed by another arrest, four months later, on suspicion of shoplifting upwards of $600 worth of items from Target.—
Diane J. Cho,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
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Enrique Gomez-Urbina, 21, of Mexico, was arrested by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and is charged with first-degree murder and resisting arrest, according to the Austin Police Department.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But some property owners have signed a petition opposing the initiative, which could keep it from going to the Common Council for consideration.—
Bridget Fogarty,
jsonline.com,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Conservative activist Riley Gaines, known for her advocacy opposing transgender individuals in women’s sports, has been appointed to the Sumner County Library Board.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Withstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withstanding. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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