Synonyms of withstand

withstand

verb

with-ˈstand 

as in to resist

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• resist
• oppose
• fight
• repel
• defy
• combat
• thwart
• contend (with)
• challenge
• contradict
• buck
• hinder
• counter
• stem
• contest
• frustrate
• obstruct
• check
• dispute
• battle
• balk
• foil
• baffle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• yield (to)
• submit (to)
• succumb (to)
• surrender (to)
• bow (to)
• give in (to)
• stoop (to)
• capitulate (to)
• knuckle under (to)

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb withstand differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of withstand are combat, oppose, and resist. While all these words mean "to set oneself against someone or something," withstand suggests a more passive resistance.

trying to withstand peer pressure

When could combat be used to replace withstand?

While the synonyms combat and withstand are close in meaning, combat stresses the forceful or urgent countering of something.

combat disease

Where would oppose be a reasonable alternative to withstand?

The words oppose and withstand can be used in similar contexts, but oppose can apply to any conflict, from mere objection to bitter hostility or warfare.

opposed the plan

When might resist be a better fit than withstand?

The synonyms resist and withstand are sometimes interchangeable, but resist implies an overt recognition of a hostile or threatening force and a positive effort to counteract or repel it.

resisting temptation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of withstand

Finally, any biofilm debris that withstood the initial onslaught sticks to the robot's gelatinous body, getting carried away with it instead of remaining on the implant. —New Atlas, 28 Mar. 2025

When assessing title contenders, bettors should assess not just star power but also how well teams can withstand inevitable injuries and rotation across multiple competitions. —Julia Ranney, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025

In fact, Wayfair has just the right style that can withstand the elements year-round and messy guests. —Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025

By aligning strategies with transparency requirements rather than working against them, individuals can create robust, legally sound protections that can withstand different regulatory regimes. —Blake Harris, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025