withstand

verb

with·​stand with-ˈstand How to pronounce withstand (audio)
wit͟h-
withstood with-ˈstu̇d How to pronounce withstand (audio)
wit͟h-
; withstanding
Synonyms of withstandnext

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
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
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.
This includes the British A22 Churchill, which featured heavier armor intended to withstand fire from Germany’s infamous 88 mm Flak anti-tank guns. Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026 Founded in 2012, Cult Gaia has withstood more than a decade of shifting fashion cycles by consistently resisting convention. Karin Eldor, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026 America remains the only large country in history where Jews have become fully equal citizens under a constitutional order strong enough, so far, to withstand waves of hatred and scapegoating. Michael W. Sonnenfeldt, The Atlantic, 20 May 2026 Having withstood the test of changing tech before, the rise of AI doesn't scare him. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for withstand

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of withstand was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Withstand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/withstand. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

withstand

verb
with·​stand with-ˈstand How to pronounce withstand (audio)
wit͟h-
withstood -ˈstu̇d How to pronounce withstand (audio) ; withstanding
: to stand against : resist
especially : to oppose successfully

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