sustains

present tense third-person singular of sustain
1
as in nurtures
to supply with nourishment a granola bar should sustain you long enough to last until lunch

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2
as in undergoes
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it sustained serious injuries in the car crash

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3
4
as in supports
to hold up or serve as a foundation for that old chair won't sustain your weight

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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 sustains In addition to providing a safety net, Medicaid prevents higher downstream costs, sustains employment and independence, and strengthens communities in ways that benefit the entire economy. Our Place, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 At high elevations, cold air turns heavy monsoon precipitation into snowfall that sustains the ice. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025 The corrosive idea that evil happens out there is what sustains our indifference. Seema Jilani august 29, Literary Hub, 29 Aug. 2025 Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers sustains an injury during the first quarter as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder checks on him in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025 This strategic approach effectively gains and sustains ongoing interaction. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 What sustains a show is whether a love affair feels deep, whether a character comes by a change in perspective honestly. Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024 Snowpack -- the accumulation and compression of snow on the ground -- sustains the water supply for many regions, supplying water for drinking, irrigation and more throughout the year, according to Trudeau. Kiara Alfonseca, ABC News, 15 Dec. 2024 By encouraging open, positive communication, laughter builds and sustains meaningful relationships in both personal and professional contexts. Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 11 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustains
Verb
  • The vegan lip treatment delivers intense moisture via a peptide that smoothes and plumps, as well as hyaluronic acid that nurtures dry skin.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The event also brought together key stakeholders, influencers, and potential funders to celebrate and support grassroots organizations, including the recording studio, community outreach group Epic Partners and Coach Core, which nurtures young sports coaches.
    Simon Perry, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In New Zealand, the pūriri moth undergoes a remarkably long journey to adulthood.
    Lauren Liebhaber September 9, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Back at SeaWorld, Labor Day weekend marked the last performances in the Dolphin Amphitheater until early 2026, as the stadium undergoes a renovation.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Decades later, the show’s influence endures.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Six months later, the grief endures.
    David Oliver, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In short, civility supports innovation, and innovation drives success.
    Nino Paoli, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Retail traders differ—100% of their trades lack customers, which supports the $0 gross receipts position.
    Robert Green, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Nothing satisfies a comfort food craving like a pan of pasta.
    Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Unfortunately, this cycle rarely satisfies either partner.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Maybe Earth gets unlucky and experiences multiple, simultaneous LIP events (though this grows less likely over time, Kane said, as the mantle cools and its churning slows).
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The key takeaway is that the company does recover but often experiences significant swings.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Despite the tree’s association with ponds, bald cypress tolerates a range of growing conditions, from somewhat dry soils to standing water.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Felicia tolerates other cats but would probably be better as the only fur baby in a home.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The back went for 96 yards on 25 carries in the Chargers’ win over Denver last October.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Cable viewers can watch the tournament on Tennis Channel, while cord-cutters can livestream on a live TV streaming service that carries the network, including Sling Blue with Sports Extra.
    Rudie Obias, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sustains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustains. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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