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Synonyms

withstand

American

[with-stand, with-] / wɪθˈstænd, wɪð- /

verb (used with object)

to stand or hold out against; resist or oppose, especially successfully: to withstand the invaders;

to withstand rust;
to withstand the invaders;
to withstand temptation.

Synonyms:

face, confront

verb (used without object)

to stand in opposition; resist.

withstand British

/ wɪðˈstænd /

verb

(tr) to stand up to forcefully; resist
(intr) to remain firm in endurance or opposition

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Synonym Usage

See oppose.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of withstand

First recorded before 900; Middle English withstanden, Old English withstandan ( see with-, stand); cognate with Old Norse vithstanda; akin to German widerstehen

Explanation

In the story of the three little pigs, only the house made of brick was able to withstand the huffing and puffing of the Big Bad Wolf. To withstand is to hold up against something strong. Withstand means to stand your ground against a powerful and negative force. A lot of toys can withstand rough treatment, but CDs definitely can't. And hopefully, you can withstand the pressures of school and work! If you can withstand a lot of criticism, it means you can take it without giving up.

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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.

Not only will Phantom MK-2 be element proof, says Pathak, but a large battery will provide about six hours of runtime, and it will be able to recover if it falls and withstand more force.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

But Walsh has sought to allay concerns, saying that airlines could withstand the fuel price shock.

From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026

“We had genuine concerns whether he could even withstand a trial — physically, mentally.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

“Risk assets can likely withstand higher rates on the back of strong earnings growth, but bond volatility remains a medium-term risk.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

But with its 8-inch-thick walls, it can withstand far more pressure than your pot.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

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