as in support
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Dissimilar Words
1
as in nurturing
to supply with nourishment
a granola bar should sustain you long enough to last until lunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in experiencing
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it
sustained serious injuries in the car crash
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in enduring
to put up with (something painful or difficult)
I won't sustain such insolence!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in supporting
to hold up or serve as a foundation for
that old chair won't sustain your weight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sustaining
Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
According to those reports, during her arrest in December, she was beaten repeatedly with wooden sticks and batons and dragged across the ground by her hair, sustaining injuries that left open wounds on her head.
—Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
While February provides heightened visibility, artists were candid about the challenges of sustaining that momentum year-round.
—Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
Mateta has been managing the problem since sustaining it in November, with Palace choosing not to risk him on Macclesfield’s artificial pitch in the FA Cup third round defeat last month.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
It is built over time—through daily choices, consistent support, and the work that goes into sustaining progress long after initial motivation may fade.
—Tara Comonte, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
For the second time in two weeks, Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn has been airlifted to a hospital after sustaining an injury in a downhill crash.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026
Three-time gold Olympic medal winner Lindsey Vonn is listed to start downhill ski training today, ahead of competing at the games despite sustaining an ACL injury in a recent crash.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026
Later in the month, Gabriele learned that the internal affairs investigation had concluded without sustaining the allegations against Myer, the lawsuit said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
Freezing temperatures play an important role in regulating plant, animal, and insect life cycles, replenishing snow pack that supplies fresh water, and sustaining snow and ice needed for winter recreation and local economies.
—Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
According to those reports, during her arrest in December, she was beaten repeatedly with wooden sticks and batons and dragged across the ground by her hair, sustaining injuries that left open wounds on her head.
—Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
While February provides heightened visibility, artists were candid about the challenges of sustaining that momentum year-round.
—Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026
Mateta has been managing the problem since sustaining it in November, with Palace choosing not to risk him on Macclesfield’s artificial pitch in the FA Cup third round defeat last month.
—Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2026
It is built over time—through daily choices, consistent support, and the work that goes into sustaining progress long after initial motivation may fade.
—Tara Comonte, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026
For the second time in two weeks, Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn has been airlifted to a hospital after sustaining an injury in a downhill crash.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026
Three-time gold Olympic medal winner Lindsey Vonn is listed to start downhill ski training today, ahead of competing at the games despite sustaining an ACL injury in a recent crash.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 6 Feb. 2026
Later in the month, Gabriele learned that the internal affairs investigation had concluded without sustaining the allegations against Myer, the lawsuit said.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 6 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustaining
Noun
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The item will come back for a final vote on March 3, and will require support from at least four of the five members to be placed on the June 2 ballot.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Polling shows support for photo ID requirements in elections is widespread in both political parties.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The nurturing Moon glides into your 4th House of Home and Family, heightening feelings about your past.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Codding and several abolitionists living in Illinois at the time played key roles nurturing the fledgling Republican Party.—
Susan DeGrane,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Flick was wary of the youngster experiencing a setback, given recent cases involving other young players and preferred to bring him back gradually.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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Walker, who had been detained at the jail several times before, was experiencing a mental health crisis and tried to flush his clothes down the toilet, prompting staff to confiscate his clothing, according the lawsuit.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Karan will be recognized for her enduring influence, lasting legacy and pioneering career which reshaped the fashion world.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Which probably speaks to both the novel’s enduring power and its multifaceted quality.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Saudi Arabi accused the UAE of supporting the separatists, and smuggling the STC leader, Aidarous al-Zubaidi, who is wanted for treason, out of Yemen and flying him to Abu Dhabi.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
8 Feb. 2026
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No one secretly wonders whether parents caused their kid’s epilepsy, or whether supporting an adult child with leukemia makes their condition worse.—
Coley Gallagher,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This rich, satisfying chili is just right for a wintry night.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Briny notes—think olives, capers, and anchovies—bring depth, while umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, aged cheeses, miso, and soy sauce add a satisfying savoriness that lingers.—
Cori Sears,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Boxer Imane Khelif admitted to having the SRY gene, located on the Y chromosome, which is found in biological males, and undergoing hormone treatments to lower testosterone levels ahead of the 2024 Olympics in an interview with the French sports publication L'Equipe.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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The driver was undergoing a medical evaluation and cooperating with investigators.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Child psychiatrist and Yale School of Medicine professor Yann Poncin previously told USA TODAY that over time, technology exposure rewires the brain to expect instant gratification, depleting the brain’s cognitive patience and threshold for tolerating frustration in the process.—
Rachel Hale,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
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Specifically, kids this age are developing key emotional regulation skills, such as tolerating disappointment, embarrassment, as well as frustration and anger.—
Liz Regalia,
Parents,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sustaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustaining. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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