as in resisting
to refuse to give in to
trying to withstand the temptation to use the beautiful weather as an excuse to take a mental health day
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Recent Examples of withstanding
These cold-hardy crops are the backbone of an early spring garden, capable of withstanding light frosts and continuing to produce as temperatures slowly warm.
—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Another bonus is that the panels are also more elastic than a wooden frame, making the houses better capable of withstanding earthquakes.
—Vanessa Romo, NPR, 27 Apr. 2026
Dussault loves incorporating soft, elevated-performance fabrics into cushions or upholstery to make outdoor seating feel more like indoor living while withstanding the elements.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
When Guthrie anchors the Today show on Easter Monday, a major break in the case withstanding, the Christian spillover-holiday will mark the 65th day since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
And while the song became an undeniable hit — withstanding years-long rumors and the test of time to this day — the naysayers weren't wrong.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
Iran’s strategy widened the arena of conflict, thereby extending the conflict beyond mere military might and into the political and economic realms, with the aim of withstanding bombardment until the conflict becomes too costly for the belligerents to maintain.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
The finished structure contains microscopic channels that allow heat to move efficiently while withstanding harsh operating environments.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
After withstanding barrages that bookended the Utah Mammoth’s losing effort on Friday, the Ducks returned home to await Sunday’s clash with the Buffalo Sabres, the NHL’s hottest team over a span of more than four months.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Another bonus is that the panels are also more elastic than a wooden frame, making the houses better capable of withstanding earthquakes.
—Vanessa Romo, NPR, 27 Apr. 2026
Dussault loves incorporating soft, elevated-performance fabrics into cushions or upholstery to make outdoor seating feel more like indoor living while withstanding the elements.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
When Guthrie anchors the Today show on Easter Monday, a major break in the case withstanding, the Christian spillover-holiday will mark the 65th day since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
And while the song became an undeniable hit — withstanding years-long rumors and the test of time to this day — the naysayers weren't wrong.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
Iran’s strategy widened the arena of conflict, thereby extending the conflict beyond mere military might and into the political and economic realms, with the aim of withstanding bombardment until the conflict becomes too costly for the belligerents to maintain.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
The finished structure contains microscopic channels that allow heat to move efficiently while withstanding harsh operating environments.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
After withstanding barrages that bookended the Utah Mammoth’s losing effort on Friday, the Ducks returned home to await Sunday’s clash with the Buffalo Sabres, the NHL’s hottest team over a span of more than four months.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstanding
Verb
-
Saturday when the long-running contract negotiations broke down over the wage and cost-of-living increases that workers are demanding and the MTA has been resisting.—
Corky Siemaszko,
NBC news,
18 May 2026
-
Eatherly’s previous arrest came after another incident on Saturday, when he was kicked out of a restaurant in Nashville and later arrested and charged with theft of services, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to an affidavit.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
As a maker, these opposing qualities are persistent and present throughout every part of the process.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
-
The Broncos literally presented the NFL’s toughest assignment for opposing quarterbacks.—
Sam McDowell
Updated May 19,
Kansas City Star,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Withstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withstanding. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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