withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand 

wit͟h-

withstood with-ˈstu̇d 

wit͟h-

; withstanding

transitive verb

1

a

: to stand up against : oppose with firm determination

especially : to resist successfully

b

: to be proof against : resist the effect of

withstand the impact of a landing

—Current Biography

2

archaic : to stop or obstruct the course of

Synonyms

• buck
• defy
• fight
• oppose
• repel
• resist

Choose the Right Synonym for withstand

oppose, combat, resist, withstand mean to set oneself against someone or something.

oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

Examples of withstand in a Sentence

cookware that can withstand high temperatures

I couldn't withstand the rigors of army life.

They withstood attacks from many critics.

Recent Examples on the Web

This exceptional variety has bright golden foliage that withstands summer heat and winter’s chill. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 May 2025

What to look for: The brick and stone walls are nearly three feet thick in places and are designed to withstand any inadvertent ammunition explosions. —Arkansas Online, 2 May 2025

Although insurance companies pulled back some spending in recent years due to rising claims and inflation, 2024 saw an uptick in ad spend from the four largest property and casualty insurers: Progressive, Allstate, State Farm (February’s Super Bowl withstanding) and Geico. —Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 1 May 2025

This group can also include the growing aluminum category, which can better withstand a beating, but also costs the price of an actual trip… Then there is the eclectic take on everyday luggage on the opposite end. —Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 1 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English withstandan, from with against + standan to stand

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for withstand

• armband
• backhand
• bandstand
• baseband
• broadband
• command
• cropland
• demand
• disband
• dreamland
• expand
• farmhand

Kids Definition

withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand 

wit͟h-

withstood -ˈstu̇d  ; withstanding

: to stand against : resist

especially : to oppose successfully