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
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
Spider plants are easy tropical houseplants known for their toughness, withstanding periods of drought and low natural light.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
And there’s even a secret 46 percent discount on the trending Hunter boots, made with long-lasting cushioning and waterproof construction designed for withstanding wintery conditions in comfort.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025
Pearsall caught six passes for 96 yards against the Titans, withstanding an early ankle sprain and playing well before the re-injuring his PCL.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2025
Exposed to saltwater mist and the constant threat of grid outages, the club required a system capable of withstanding Australia's harshest coastal conditions.
—New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2025
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
Spider plants are easy tropical houseplants known for their toughness, withstanding periods of drought and low natural light.
—Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
And there’s even a secret 46 percent discount on the trending Hunter boots, made with long-lasting cushioning and waterproof construction designed for withstanding wintery conditions in comfort.
—Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025
Pearsall caught six passes for 96 yards against the Titans, withstanding an early ankle sprain and playing well before the re-injuring his PCL.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2025
Exposed to saltwater mist and the constant threat of grid outages, the club required a system capable of withstanding Australia's harshest coastal conditions.
—New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstanding
Verb
-
Pride should come from your willingness to improve, not from resisting uncomfortable truths.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2026
-
One individual was also charged with complicity, and another was charged with resisting arrest, the department said.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Humans seemingly have opposing desires to fit in and to be unique.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
-
But Swanson isn’t ready to endorse reverse framing, a conceptual strategy in which catchers could try to make strikes look like balls in an effort to fool opposing hitters into wasting a challenge.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Withstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withstanding. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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