WITHSTANDING Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

withstanding

verb

present participle of withstand

as in resisting

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

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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 withstanding The dismissals varied but building a middle order capable of withstanding a spin barrage in helpful conditions is fundamental to England’s ambitions overseas. — Ben Jones, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 Consider that a durable laptop capable of withstanding an accidental drop might be worth extra money. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 Holding a plaza for more than a month, withstanding a police crackdown and bringing senior ministers to neutral ground requires people. — Penny Abeywardena, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 Sandwiching these is a silicon carbide layer, which acts as a high-strength pressure vessel capable of withstanding extreme internal pressures and temperatures exceeding 1,600°C without degrading. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 July 2026 The Swiss defense held its own, withstanding many Argentina chances and eventually taking the reigning champions to extra time. — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 11 July 2026 Natividad's great-great-great grandfather adapted and so did his descendants ‒ withstanding every new attempt to erase their language, culture or traditions. — Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 28 June 2026 Hanging Lake Trail in Glenwood Canyon CBS The project, led by a partnership of federal, state and local organizations, was designed to create a trail capable of withstanding future disasters while preserving the experience that has made Hanging Lake one of Colorado's most popular destinations. — Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 19 June 2026 Ten of those segments are capable of withstanding approximately 10 newtons of force. — Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 9 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstanding

Verb

Stanley is accused of blocking Rajabi’s car with his body, punching Rajabi’s window and resisting arrest.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
While half of Gen-Z use AI weekly, 48% of young working people now believe the risks of AI outweigh the benefits, and 44% of Gen-Z workers (subscription required) surveyed in one report admit to actively resisting their companies' AI efforts.

— Michael Chavira, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of resisting

Verb

Hahn said that the opposing viewpoints could have been more thoroughly debated, had the project been subject to CEQA review.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
The majority of Paxton’s rally focused on religion, cutting costs of living and opposing Democratic nominee James Talarico.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of opposing

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withstand

withstanding

withstands

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“Withstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withstanding. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of withstanding

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