as in flying
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
a hypothesis that won't stand up to close analysis
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 standing up
This is no longer about ideology, this is about standing up for those who are being wrongly arrested, being unfairly harassed or being made to feel constantly frightened in their own homes.
—
Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
In response to his removal, Torrey Pines lacrosse players, alumni and parents have been standing up for their coach at board meetings since the fall, speaking out before the board’s closed session hearings.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Serving in the military has further reinforced the importance of standing up for others.
—Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2026
Kelly, clearly, will keep standing up to these feckless attempts at coercion.
—Chris Brennan, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Today, the courageous citizens of Iran are standing up for their freedom and for the sake of the world.
—Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
Communities across the country are standing up in the wake of the tragedy in Minneapolis.
—Gabriela Vidal, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Millie Bobby Brown is standing up for herself against headlines commenting on her appearance.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Congressman Tom Barrett isn't listening, or standing up to Trump, and mid-Michigan is ready for new leadership that will tackle the high cost of living, protect Social Security and Medicare, and fight like hell for our democratic values.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
In response to his removal, Torrey Pines lacrosse players, alumni and parents have been standing up for their coach at board meetings since the fall, speaking out before the board’s closed session hearings.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
Serving in the military has further reinforced the importance of standing up for others.
—Kansas City Star, 24 Jan. 2026
Kelly, clearly, will keep standing up to these feckless attempts at coercion.
—Chris Brennan, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Today, the courageous citizens of Iran are standing up for their freedom and for the sake of the world.
—Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2026
Communities across the country are standing up in the wake of the tragedy in Minneapolis.
—Gabriela Vidal, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Millie Bobby Brown is standing up for herself against headlines commenting on her appearance.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Congressman Tom Barrett isn't listening, or standing up to Trump, and mid-Michigan is ready for new leadership that will tackle the high cost of living, protect Social Security and Medicare, and fight like hell for our democratic values.
—Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standing up
Verb
-
Wasserman has previously admitted to flying with Epstein on the financier’s private plane on a trip to Africa with Maxwell and former President Clinton.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Winter Olympic athletes, particularly those who compete in events that involve flying down a mountain or icy track at breakneck speeds, are not exactly known for self-preservation instincts.—
Lindsay Schnell,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Water level changes on Catawba basin The broader Catawba River system, Jones said, is still holding up for now.—
Nora O'Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026
-
After the win, Mafe celebrated with a cigar and holding up the Nigerian flag in honor of his heritage.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The launcher carries six 300 mm rockets and is operated by a small crew working from within an armored cabin designed to protect against shrapnel and small-arms fire, according to reports.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
-
The bold plan did not pan out, and NASA is currently working to return astronauts to the lunar surface by 2028 — the timeframe the agency had been working toward in the Obama era.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Standing up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standing%20up. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
