standbys

noun

plural of standby
as in anchors
something or someone to which one looks for support our old standby in times of trouble

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example 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 standbys Formulas packed with oils, butters, and skin-care standbys like hyaluronic acid are always helpful. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026 But anyone returning to their old lunchtime standbys is likely to find a different kind of restaurant waiting for them — one that seemingly highlights everything on the menu except traditional salads. — Renée Onque, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026 Becoming a content creator has officially elbowed out old standbys like doctor and astronaut as the job that Gen Z and Gen Alpha most aspire to have. — Julianna Pillemer, The Conversation, 18 Aug. 2026 Colors like the perfectly balanced red Ruby Woo, deep beige Velvet Teddy and bright orchid Heroine are beauty-industry standbys, and the brand offers more than 150 lipstick shades in total. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 Sports from the traditional standbys (artistic gymnastics) to the newest additions (flag football, lacrosse and squash) all sold through their first-drop availability. — Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 Old standbys have been reborn, too. — Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026 While the appetite for $500-per-person omakase may be cooling slightly, Indian and Levantine spots are as in-demand as the city’s classic steakhouses and French and Italian standbys. — Beth Landman, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 At last month’s Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim — one of the world’s largest food trade shows — old standbys finding fresh roles and unexpected places to shine was the buzz. — David Dickstein, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standbys
  1. anchors
  2. mainstays
  3. backbones
  4. pillars
Noun
  • Depending on the route, manufacturers can add protective layers and steel-wire armoring to help the cable withstand demanding conditions, particularly in shallower waters where anchors and fishing equipment pose greater risks.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Rising in hexagonal or octagonal forms amidst low-rise dwellings, these pagodas stand as emotional anchors of hometown memory.
    — Footwear News, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of anchors
Noun
  • Both styles merge the brand mainstays with Anderson’s playful use of the straddle strap detail most commonly used on penny loafers.
    — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Over the years, the event has attracted theater mainstays from Lin-Manuel Miranda to Rachel Zegler.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of mainstays
Noun
  • The structural backbones of the phalanges are 3D-printed from PLA, while soft silicone interfaces provide friction and compliance when the fingers contact a branch.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
  • More specifically, insects are invertebrates (animals without backbones) and are part of the arthropod phylum, which also includes spiders, crabs, and centipedes.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of backbones
Noun
  • The 53-year-old is looking to make a statement, paying homage to hip-hop’s roots and pillars with his next project.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The three pillars of regenerative agriculture Here’s an easy way to picture it.
    — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of pillars

Browse Nearby Words

standby
standbys
stand for
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Cite this Entry

“Standbys.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standbys. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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