withstand
verb
with·stand
with-ˈstand 
wit͟h-
withstood
with-ˈstu̇d
wit͟h-
; withstanding
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
Current Biography2
archaic
: to stop or obstruct the course of
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
The Textilene upholstered frame and water-, mold-, and mildew-resistant cushions are built to withstand rainy days.
—Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2025
So far, only one gate that can withstand speeds above 40 miles per hour has been installed – located at the intersection of Canal Street and Bourbon Street, where the attacker first began his rampage.
—Kati Weis, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
Economic growth withstood headwinds from tariffs and elevated interest rates, but consumer sentiment sputtered.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2025
Deep in the Carrizo Gorge and high above the desert floor soars the Goat Canyon train trestle — the world’s largest such bridge made entirely of wood, the better to withstand the harsh conditions of the Jacumba Mountains.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for withstand
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Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2025
So far, only one gate that can withstand speeds above 40 miles per hour has been installed – located at the intersection of Canal Street and Bourbon Street, where the attacker first began his rampage.
—Kati Weis, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025
Economic growth withstood headwinds from tariffs and elevated interest rates, but consumer sentiment sputtered.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2025
Deep in the Carrizo Gorge and high above the desert floor soars the Goat Canyon train trestle — the world’s largest such bridge made entirely of wood, the better to withstand the harsh conditions of the Jacumba Mountains.
—Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for withstand
Cite this Entry
“Withstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withstand. Accessed 5 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
withstand
verb
with·stand
with-ˈstand
wit͟h-
withstood
-ˈstu̇d
; withstanding
; withstanding
: to stand against : resist
especially
: to oppose successfully
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