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Synonyms

can't stand

Idioms  

  1. Also,. Thoroughly dislike; be unable to put up with something or someone. For example, I can't stand the sight of her; she's obnoxious, or I can't bear to leave the country, or I can't stomach a filthy kitchen. The oldest of these synonymous expressions is can't abide, which Shakespeare used in 2 Henry IV (3:2): “She could not abide Master Shallow.” Can't stand dates from the early 1600; can't bear dates from about 1700 and often but not always is used with an infinitive; can't stomach dates from the late 1600s and today is less common than the others.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In another interview, with NBC News, he said, “I can’t stand my voice.”

From Slate • Apr. 18, 2026

Much of the chatter never moves past a relatively small, dishy circle of political gossips because the supposed misdeeds, while titillating, can’t stand up to rigorous scrutiny.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

There are people who prefer their sports growly and can’t stand the sight of players hugging and postgame jersey swaps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

It can’t stand in a classroom and check that everyone understands the assignment.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 9, 2026

“Look at him, he’s not purple. I can’t stand around here all day waiting for him to turn purple. Here, kid.”

From "The Best School Year Ever" by Barbara Robinson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.