1
2
as in undergoes
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it
sustained serious injuries in the car crash
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in endures
to put up with (something painful or difficult)
I won't sustain such insolence!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in supports
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 sustains
The district’s identity as both a destination and a neighborhood depends on striking a balance between entertainment vitality and the livability that sustains long-term commercial investment.
—
Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
By Michelle Edgar In a neighborhood often defined by its challenges, a different story is taking shape with the unveiling of a mural honoring unity, immigrant contributions and the unseen work that sustains Los Angeles.
—Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
And his insistence on cutting funding for pretty much everything that creates and sustains a civilization — including the arts and sciences, the humanities and health care, the environment and education — doesn’t bode well for our nascent nation.
—Melody Moezzi, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
Miami could need that rookie immediately if Willis, who is a scrambler, sustains an injury during the season.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
And his insistence on cutting funding for pretty much everything that creates and sustains a civilization — including the arts and sciences, the humanities and health care, the environment and education — doesn’t bode well for our nascent nation.
—Melody Moezzi, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
The same practice that sustains a cosmological language sustains a subsistence economy.
—María Carri, Artforum, 16 Apr. 2026
Surely God is Kendra's help; the Lord is the one who sustains Kendra.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
According to Grunsfeld, this is what sustains the Artemis II crewmembers during fearful moments, such as when an indicator suggested a cabin leak that turned out to be a false alarm.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
By Michelle Edgar In a neighborhood often defined by its challenges, a different story is taking shape with the unveiling of a mural honoring unity, immigrant contributions and the unseen work that sustains Los Angeles.
—Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
And his insistence on cutting funding for pretty much everything that creates and sustains a civilization — including the arts and sciences, the humanities and health care, the environment and education — doesn’t bode well for our nascent nation.
—Melody Moezzi, Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2026
Miami could need that rookie immediately if Willis, who is a scrambler, sustains an injury during the season.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
And his insistence on cutting funding for pretty much everything that creates and sustains a civilization — including the arts and sciences, the humanities and health care, the environment and education — doesn’t bode well for our nascent nation.
—Melody Moezzi, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
The same practice that sustains a cosmological language sustains a subsistence economy.
—María Carri, Artforum, 16 Apr. 2026
Surely God is Kendra's help; the Lord is the one who sustains Kendra.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
According to Grunsfeld, this is what sustains the Artemis II crewmembers during fearful moments, such as when an indicator suggested a cabin leak that turned out to be a false alarm.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sustains
Verb
-
Ultimately, leading with love or care in the workplace nurtures a culture of empathy, compassion, and authenticity, driving organizational success and fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment among team members.—
Rebecca Ahmed,
Big Think,
22 Apr. 2026
-
The diary writing nurtures an internal life by giving oxygen to what previously had been ephemeral, easily self-mocked as inappropriate, or troubling.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Each robot undergoes over 80 functional tests, including stress and burn-in exercises such as squats and jogging, to eliminate early failures.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Major ratings agencies Fitch and S&P have Paramount debt at junk status as the merger undergoes final review.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Almost by definition, great literature endures beyond the time of its making.—
Charlie Tyson,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
-
One performance endures a half-century later, a record so unchallenged through the years that even its owner’s faulty memory cannot erase it.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Take a few minutes to reset, then make one decision that supports both your stability and your peace moving forward.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The brand’s proprietary Alpha Keratin 60ku supports stronger, healthier hair right at the root, while soothing botanicals like rosemary, green tea, and rice extract keep irritation in check.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Director Gay has sculpted a staging that is faithful to a more leisurely 19th-century storytelling style, yet satisfies modern audiences’ constant craving for stimulation.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
-
And Central Florida’s Lawrence satisfies Niners’ desire for speed and explosiveness to complement Nick Bosa.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Don Ku with the Denver Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association said his group mostly experiences safety and noise problems from nearby clubs.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
And while the country experiences spectacular sunsets thanks to its varied landscapes, west-facing coast, and wide ocean views, few spots are as perfect for a momentary pause to watch the sun go down as in Lisbon.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Coneflower adapts to various soils and tolerates drought, adding color to borders and natural areas.—
Patricia S York,
Southern Living,
29 Apr. 2026
-
This holly tolerates a wide range of soils and can withstand both drought and flooding.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The 5-10, 199-pound Nixon signed with the Packers on Saturday, following a season in which the Texas native led the Knights in rushing touchdowns (seven) and was second in rushing yards (554) and carries (71).—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Reaves’ soft-tissue injury usually carries a four-to-six-week recovery process.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sustains.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sustains. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
