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as in to live
to have a home the charming fantasy that fairies abide in the cup-shaped flowers dotting the woodland floor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb abide differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of abide are bear, endure, stand, suffer, and tolerate. While all these words mean "to put up with something trying or painful," abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

When is bear a more appropriate choice than abide?

The words bear and abide are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

When could endure be used to replace abide?

While in some cases nearly identical to abide, endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

In what contexts can stand take the place of abide?

The meanings of stand and abide largely overlap; however, stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

When might suffer be a better fit than abide?

The synonyms suffer and abide are sometimes interchangeable, but suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

When can tolerate be used instead of abide?

The words tolerate and abide can be used in similar contexts, but tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.

refused to tolerate such treatment

Examples 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 abide Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana abide by safe haven laws, meaning someone who can’t find a box can surrender babies at local police and fire stations. Enquirer Staff Report, The Enquirer, 3 Dec. 2024 Now, the country has pledged to abide by the warrant if Netanyahu lands there. Ron Kampeas, Sun Sentinel, 26 Nov. 2024 The most intractable questions have also been the most critical: Who will pay for what, and whether the treaty will set mandatory production caps or allow countries to set and abide by their own voluntary targets. Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024 In fact, one of my abiding pleasures in life is finding small but transformative thingamabobs—frivolous and not at all necessary items that don’t cost much but can make life a bit sparklier, a bit easier, or just a bit sillier. Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abide 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abide
Verb
  • In the wake of Friday's news, TikTok content creators are wasting no time advising followers to find them on other platforms, as the social media app's future remains murky.
    Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Meanwhile, as rescuers remain focused on nursing the Muddy River's wildlife back to health, officials are continuing their investigation into the cause of the spill.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Latest in Lifestyle 6 hours ago Lifestyle - Football How to watch Week 15 of the 2024-2025 NFL season live online for free—and without cable BYChris Morris December 15, 2024 1 day ago Health - Personal Health, Fitness, and Wellness Are ‘blue zones’ a myth?
    BYChris Morris, Fortune, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Hambrick, 45, used to live at the residence where the women were found dead, the Dispatch reported.
    Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 15 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • No amount of one-on-one or group sessions will work in environments that tolerate and/or implicitly reward bad behavior.
    Mitch Mitchell, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • If planting a tree on such a site, either improve the drainage first or plant a species that tolerates soggy soil.
    Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • With a mission of not changing but elevating, Rich ensured Alexandra Foods’ values, quality, and recipes remained the same, continuing Mark and Alexandra's legacy of authentic culinary craft.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Still, the mother of five continues to show up for her children.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • By prioritizing ongoing education, a team’s skill set stays sharp and ready to deploy the latest technologies.
    Igor Rikalo, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Focus Attention on You: Train your dog to walk on a short leash, stay by your side, and ignore strangers unless invited to say hello.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The foundation for that victory resided on rapidly achieving air superiority with offensive counter-air strikes against a broad range of key enemy targets with stealthy penetrating aircraft.
    David A. Deptula, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • According to court documents, Dali, who did not enter a plea during her arraignment, will reside in Philadelphia and must submit to GPS monitoring, a mental health evaluation, and surrender any travel documents.
    Max Hauptman, USA TODAY, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • After enduring years of civil war, Syrians took to the streets to celebrate the sudden fall of Assad, both in their own country and in huge refugee communities that have grown across the Middle East and Europe.
    Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2024
  • The launch pad endured a lightning strike on April 27, but SpaceX said the rocket was healthy for the attempt.
    Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • This segment of What’s Ahead examines how Putin’s plans can be thwarted and how a great lasting settlement can be reached, leaving Ukraine truly independent.
    Steve Forbes, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • On the other hand, longer breaks, especially those lasting months, tend to result in more significant losses, particularly for beginners.
    Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Health, 13 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Abide.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abide. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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