as in flies
to withstand scrutiny and gain acceptance or approval
a hypothesis that won't stand up to close analysis
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of stands up
Calibrachoa stands up to heat and is drought tolerant, making an ideal selection for baskets hanging in the hot sun.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
In front of a large crowd, the rapper stands up before launching into a song.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Ivan Reitman One of the most beloved movies of all time, the original Ghostbusters still stands up as the best in the series … by far.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2026
Elphaba stands up against the corrupt Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) while the frenemies evolve their relationship and sing a lot in an unexpectedly relevant fantasy flick about standing up for what’s right.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
After a minute, Sarah stands up, red-faced.
—Gerald Witt, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Equipped with an anti-theft ReturnMe tag, chair-lock loop, and RFID protection, this ergonomic travel bag stands up to sneaky pickpockets.
—Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026
The paddles seem to really make a difference in aeration to get foam that stands up.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Oct. 2025
Joining Rapp in his intellectual group, Adam Goldberg's Mike Newhouse nevertheless gets into a scuffle during the moon tower party but ultimately stands up for himself.
—Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2026
In front of a large crowd, the rapper stands up before launching into a song.
—Dan Raby, CBS News, 13 Apr. 2026
Ivan Reitman One of the most beloved movies of all time, the original Ghostbusters still stands up as the best in the series … by far.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2026
Elphaba stands up against the corrupt Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) while the frenemies evolve their relationship and sing a lot in an unexpectedly relevant fantasy flick about standing up for what’s right.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
After a minute, Sarah stands up, red-faced.
—Gerald Witt, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Equipped with an anti-theft ReturnMe tag, chair-lock loop, and RFID protection, this ergonomic travel bag stands up to sneaky pickpockets.
—Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026
The paddles seem to really make a difference in aeration to get foam that stands up.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Oct. 2025
Joining Rapp in his intellectual group, Adam Goldberg's Mike Newhouse nevertheless gets into a scuffle during the moon tower party but ultimately stands up for himself.
—Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stands up
Verb
-
Vertical flies under an arrangement that has been accumulating evidence toward certification for three years.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The National Guard unit flies F-16 Fighting Falcon jet aircraft.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Drip irrigation also works well for containers.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2026
-
One genius in the room works for OpenAI, a company currently valued at $852 billion.—
Neil Senturia,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
If Greenlaw holds up physically — always a concern — that’s likely more than the 49ers wanted to pay for a reserve.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2026
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The water- and sweat-resistant formula holds up during long days outside, while the lightweight finish stays comfortable without pilling or turning greasy.—
Brigitt Earley,
Glamour,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Stands up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stands%20up. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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