as in to keep (to)
to give steadfast support to
no matter how much people object, I will stand by my decision
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in anchor
something or someone to which one looks for support
our old standby in times of trouble
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stand by
Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025
Dunn also has a smaller squad positioned strategically up the hill, on Mandeville Canyon, standing by with hoses and other firefighting equipment in case the encroaching blaze threatens any of the multimillion-dollar homes under his protection.
—Jason McGahan, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2025
Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025
Southwest said customers who want to adjust their plans can rebook or travel standby within 14 days of their original travel date without incurring additional charges.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 5 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for stand by 
Verb
Stepping in last minute for an ailing Luciano Pavarotti, the Queen of Soul stood by patiently as the orchestra played the swelling notes of the Italian aria before turning to the mic and unleashing that voice.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 30 Jan. 2025
Dunn also has a smaller squad positioned strategically up the hill, on Mandeville Canyon, standing by with hoses and other firefighting equipment in case the encroaching blaze threatens any of the multimillion-dollar homes under his protection.
—Jason McGahan, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
Her area of Los Angeles in on standby for evacuation, TMZ said.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2025
Southwest said customers who want to adjust their plans can rebook or travel standby within 14 days of their original travel date without incurring additional charges.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 5 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for stand by
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stand by
Noun
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The only establishment Democrat to sit down for a Jubilee video this past cycle was Buttigieg; other liberal Surrounded anchors were a TikToker (Withers) and a video-game streamer (Destiny).—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
23 Jan. 2025
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As for Lemon, the former CNN anchor was fired from the network in 2023 after Variety published a report on his alleged sexist behavior towards female colleagues through the years.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Together, these tools form the backbone of trade defense infrastructure.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
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These are songs that form the backbone of Jamaican music in terms of culture and development of the music that followed.—
Heather Augustyn,
SPIN,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Isaac is also a mainstay on television screens, having appeared in series like Netflix's The OA (2016–2019) and CBS' Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2018).—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
30 Jan. 2025
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The change marks the end of an era for the organization, which was created in 1997 by a former VH1 executive and became a mainstay on the cable network’s programming slate.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN,
29 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Hydrogen is emerging as a crucial component of the global energy transition, offering a versatile and clean fuel option that could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA TODAY,
25 Jan. 2025
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Diversify suppliers and explore domestic options: Building a network of diverse suppliers can reduce reliance on regions heavily affected by tariffs.—
Lyric Christian,
Essence,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
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When one poster on the Overton, TX Citizens Forum Facebook page reported in early January that the rooster tried to attack her husband outside the store, people were quick to defend Ol’ Red’s character.—
Rhiannon Saegert,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Jan. 2025
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At his confirmation hearing, senators will ask him to defend that dangerous, alternative reality.—
Benjamin Mazer,
The Atlantic,
27 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The highway district ordered an emergency closure Friday after an evaluation revealed that the bridge, which connects Southeast Boise to Harris Ranch and the Barber Valley, had widespread decay in nearly half of the bridge’s pillars, which could result in a catastrophic collapse.—
Nick Rosenberger,
Idaho Statesman,
1 Feb. 2025
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These two programs are part of AHF’s four pillars, representing education and specialization, respectively.—
Kara Markley Sterling,
USA TODAY,
31 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near stand by
Cite this Entry
“Stand by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stand%20by. Accessed 5 Feb. 2025.
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