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as in to undergo
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it willingly suffered hardships so that their children would have a better life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb suffer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of suffer are abide, bear, endure, stand, and tolerate. While all these words mean "to put up with something trying or painful," suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

When is it sensible to use abide instead of suffer?

While in some cases nearly identical to suffer, abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

When can bear be used instead of suffer?

In some situations, the words bear and suffer are roughly equivalent. However, bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

Where would endure be a reasonable alternative to suffer?

The words endure and suffer can be used in similar contexts, but endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

When is stand a more appropriate choice than suffer?

The synonyms stand and suffer are sometimes interchangeable, but stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

When would tolerate be a good substitute for suffer?

The words tolerate and suffer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.

refused to tolerate such treatment

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 suffer Most recently, the sixth flight of the Alpha rocket in April suffered a failure a few minutes after liftoff, when a mishap during stage separation damaged the rocket's second stage. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 28 July 2025 To be sure, the 10-year yield remains above its pre-Liberation Day level, and the dollar has suffered its worst first half in more than 50 years. Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 July 2025 Miami signed Cornell Armstrong, Jack Jones and Mike Hilton this week to fortify depth since Artie Burns suffered a season-ending knee injury on day one, and Kader Kohou injured his right leg and left practice early on Saturday. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 27 July 2025 The social worker told investigators the statements were concerning because Craig never reported the incidents nor tried to get medical help, and none of the couple’s six children mentioned their mother suffered from depression. Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for suffer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffer
Verb
  • Downtown has undergone a building boom since the early 2000s, with dozens of new high-rise office, residential, hotel and mixed-use projects built or currently under construction.
    Shonda Novak, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Sitting on just shy of 3.5 acres, the grandiose 1920s home underwent a meticulous three-year renovation by architect Ira Grandberg but retains a charming, old-world feel.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Building the Band producers and Payne’s grieving family were weighing Payne’s inclusion, and ultimately decided to move forward with the former One Direction member remaining in the show made by Remarkable Entertainment (part of Banijay U.K.).
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 29 July 2025
  • In early May, as the victim met with the pastor to grieve the loss of her brother, Jay touched her over her clothes, documents say.
    Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • If time permits, disconnect utilities and appliances.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2025
  • Exceptions would be permitted only in limited circumstances, such as when there is an imminent threat to the agent's life or risk of serious bodily harm or when protective gear is necessary for health or safety reasons.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • New features and technologies elevate the quality of car audio, letting brands famous for everything from the loudspeakers at Woodstock to today’s most immersive theaters take their act on the road.
    Mark Phelan, Freep.com, 27 July 2025
  • Having to buy him out and letting a contender sign him for nothing would be a tough pill to swallow.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Luzardo has endured serious bruises in the last two months.
    Matt Gelb, New York Times, 30 July 2025
  • Young’s legacy endures – her school remains a magnet for young performers aged 10 to 16, blending the academic curriculum with intensive training in acting, singing and dance.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Iglesias recently mourned the loss of his two beloved Chihuahuas, Vinnie and Risa.
    Kelli Bender, People.com, 30 July 2025
  • Bristol also offered its Peer Support Team along with its support K9 Molly to firefighters in Plainville mourning Moreau.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 29 July 2025
Verb
  • Berry-Godsey also appeared remotely, but wasn't allowed to speak.
    Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 31 July 2025
  • Chlorine and bromine are typically the main bacteria-fighting agents added to pools, and elevated pH can create conditions that allow bacteria to thrive in pool water.
    Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • How Safe Is Fulvic Acid For Skin According to Dr. Goldenberg, fulvic acid is generally well tolerated, even by sensitive, acne- or rosacea-prone skin.
    Noma Nazish, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Hosta is easy to grow and tolerates some challenging sites such as heavy shade and nearby black walnut trees.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Suffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffer. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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