SUSTAINING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

sustaining 1 of 2

noun

Definition of sustaining

as in support

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Dissimilar Words

sustaining

2 of 2

verb

present participle of sustain

as in nurturing

to supply with nourishment a granola bar should sustain you long enough to last until lunch

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in experiencing

to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it sustained serious injuries in the car crash

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in enduring

to put up with (something painful or difficult) I won't sustain such insolence!

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in supporting

to hold up or serve as a foundation for that old chair won't sustain your weight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sustaining

Noun

About 40 birds were released in phases between 2021 and 2023, and scientists now say the population is showing signs of becoming self-sustaining. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 Fiercely protective of their culture, and almost uniquely self-sustaining within the wider UK dance-music scene, jungle and drum’n’bass have long tended to exist in their own siloed enclave. — Will Pritchard, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026 These molecules could serve as the building blocks of more complex organic molecules, which are vital in the development and sustaining of life. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Verb

The Hurricanes took the lead back after Xavier Lucas, who was playing in his first game since sustaining an injury in the season opener, recovered a Riles fumble (forced by Ethan O’Connor). — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026 Two of the estimated 400 firefighters assigned to the Norte Fire were stabilized at a hospital after sustaining unspecified injuries battling the blaze, McGovern said. — Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026 The Senators defenseman hadn't played since sustaining a knee injury in Game 1 of the first round of last season's playoffs. — CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 The tests also showed that the cells could withstand exposure to temperatures ranging from 212 F (100 C) to minus 274 F without sustaining damage. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026 The secretary of state said the negotiations must involve all sectors of Venezuelan society and ultimately produce not only free elections but also institutions capable of sustaining democracy over the long term. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 When a storm, usually fed by unusually warm water, suddenly gathers a lot of strength, sustaining winds that increase in speed by at least 35 mph (56 kph) in 24 hours, it is called rapid intensification. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 Three buildings have also been yellow-tagged ahead of Rachel’s arrival after sustaining damage from Hurricane Marie. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 God is present now, and there could never be a future moment when His sustaining presence is absent. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustaining

Noun

Blue Origin also aims to produce nearly all its components and systems in-house, while maintaining support from external suppliers.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Peter and Rebecca’s sister Lauren will serve as Rebecca’s support swimmer.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of support

Verb

Launched in 2024, the initiative is part of El Gouna’s CineGouna Emerge program aimed at nurturing the next generation of MENA film professionals.

— Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026
The three children and a teacher shot to death at Silver Rail Elementary School in central Oregon were in a classroom dedicated to students with special needs – an environment that’s supposed to be nurturing, safe and supportive.

— Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of nurturing

Verb

The victim began experiencing extreme tiredness, inability to sleep and other unexplained symptoms soon after attending a prestigious conference in August, Gomelsky said.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026
Sydney Sweeney delivered a suitable transitional look for a warmer-than-usual autumn that New Yorkers are experiencing.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of experiencing

Verb

The film offers an intimate portrait of a defining intellectual voice while examining the enduring question of who has the right to tell their own story.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
Affordable electric bikes usually mean enduring heavy frames, clunky kick-in for the motor and unrefined, unpredictable power delivery.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of enduring

Verb

The argument supporting Measure Z was signed by farmer Blair Voelz, educator Karen Rosenkilde Bayne, former Woodland City Manager Kris Kristensen, business leader Aniek Pflager and agricultural supplier Erik Wilson.

— Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Following the meeting, Papin’s office said the state was committed to supporting businesses and that further measures would be announced shortly.

— Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of supporting

Verb

On TikTok, creators crow about Le Pliage’s visually and physically satisfying design, produced in workshops across Western France.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
And as always, sites and zones on Mars for the choppers means satisfying engineering constraints imposed by the project and spacecraft design.

— Leonard David, Space.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of satisfying

Verb

PhotoTat can have additional practical applications, including for medical tattoos like those done on cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

— Devika Rao, TheWeek, 19 Oct. 2026
By Thursday, the pope had resumed his work activities, just days after undergoing the operation, the Vatican said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of undergoing

Verb

Nathan is offended and starts going on his usual rant about not tolerating disrespect toward his family.

— Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026
Egyptian authorities alternated over the decades between tolerating and repressing the group, which was permitted to field candidates in elections for brief periods.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of tolerating

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Style

“Sustaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustaining. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of sustaining

noun

verb

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