SUSTAIN Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

sustain

verb

sə-ˈstān

Definition of sustain

as in to nurture

to supply with nourishment a granola bar should sustain you long enough to last until lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to undergo

to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it sustained serious injuries in the car crash

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to endure

to put up with (something painful or difficult) I won't sustain such insolence!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to carry

to hold up or serve as a foundation for that old chair won't sustain your weight

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of sustain In the subsequent decade the resort hosted Olympians and Hollywood stars, Bash said, but Clark was unable to sustain the sprawling facilities after facing tough financial times during and after the Great Depression. —William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2025 Police found shell casings on the street in front of the house, and evidence found two homes sustained bullet strikes, documents said. —Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 31 July 2025 Marketing plays a crucial role in building and sustaining audience engagement across this diverse content slate. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 31 July 2025 Below are the essential factors technology companies can prioritize to foster and sustain trust with their customers—an increasingly critical currency in today’s digital landscape. —John Whittle, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sustain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustain

Verb

Now, Lyricist Lounge stands as a hip-hop legacy brand, one that encompasses a record label and events that nurture the underlooked growing world of rap enthusiasts.

— Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
The process of those remains being broken down into soil that can be used to nurture plants and trees reminded Shoen of the grieving process.

— Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 9 Aug. 2025