endure

verb

en·​dure in-ˈdu̇r 

-ˈdyu̇r, 

en-

endured; enduring

intransitive verb

1

: to continue in the same state : last entry 1

the style endured for centuries

2

: to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding

though it is difficult, we must endure

transitive verb

1

: to undergo especially without giving in : suffer

endure hardships

endured great pain

2

: to regard with acceptance or tolerance

could not endure noisy children

Synonyms of endure

• undergo
• experience
• have
• see

Choose the Right Synonym for endure

bear, suffer, endure, abide, tolerate, stand mean to put up with something trying or painful.

bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.

refused to tolerate such treatment

stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

continue, last, endure, abide, persist mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely.

continue applies to a process going on without ending.

the search for peace will continue

last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

buy shoes that will last

endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

in spite of everything, her faith endured

abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

the sense of guilt persisted

Examples of endure in a Sentence

She wants to make sure her legacy will endure.

He endured five years as a prisoner of war.

We endured the lecture for as long as we could.

Recent Examples on the Web

Each of the six buildings was built between 1600 and 1700 and some of the original design details have endured—like the grand staircase in the lobby and the Maurer Room, a meeting room that features original 18th-century wall paintings. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 June 2026

Free National Park Service tours offer an intimate look at his life, legacy and enduring fight for freedom, equality and justice in America. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026

The things people endure and make happen and create under the most brutal and extreme circumstances can seem unbelievable. —Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 10 June 2026

The 1939 film, which starred Garland as Dorothy Gale, recently found new life through The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, an immersive Las Vegas experience that opened in August and uses the facility's cutting-edge technology to place audiences inside the enduring story. —Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French endurer, from Vulgar Latin *indurare, from Latin, to harden, from in- + durare to harden, endure — more at during

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for endure

• abjure
• adjure
• allure
• assure
• brochure
• cocksure
• coiffure
• contour
• couture
• demure
• detour
• ensure

Kids Definition

endure

verb

en·​dure in-ˈd(y)u̇(ə)r 

endured; enduring

1

: to continue in the same state : last

2

: to bear patiently : suffer

3

: to allow to happen or continue : tolerate

endurable

-ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-bəl

adjective

enduring

in-ˈd(y)u̇r-iŋ

adjective

enduringly adverb