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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Recent Examples of withstanding
Dussault loves incorporating soft, elevated-performance fabrics into cushions or upholstery to make outdoor seating feel more like indoor living while withstanding the elements.
—
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
When Guthrie anchors the Today show on Easter Monday, a major break in the case withstanding, the Christian spillover-holiday will mark the 65th day since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
And while the song became an undeniable hit — withstanding years-long rumors and the test of time to this day — the naysayers weren't wrong.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
Iran’s strategy widened the arena of conflict, thereby extending the conflict beyond mere military might and into the political and economic realms, with the aim of withstanding bombardment until the conflict becomes too costly for the belligerents to maintain.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
The finished structure contains microscopic channels that allow heat to move efficiently while withstanding harsh operating environments.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
After withstanding barrages that bookended the Utah Mammoth’s losing effort on Friday, the Ducks returned home to await Sunday’s clash with the Buffalo Sabres, the NHL’s hottest team over a span of more than four months.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
Such is life for a Celtics team that doesn’t have the highest ceiling (a Jayson Tatum medical miracle withstanding) but has arguably the highest floor of any team in the East.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
With its silvery-blue needles, the blue spruce is not only an elegant addition to many yards but also is capable of withstanding adverse conditions, including cold weather.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026
When Guthrie anchors the Today show on Easter Monday, a major break in the case withstanding, the Christian spillover-holiday will mark the 65th day since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
And while the song became an undeniable hit — withstanding years-long rumors and the test of time to this day — the naysayers weren't wrong.
—Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Mar. 2026
Iran’s strategy widened the arena of conflict, thereby extending the conflict beyond mere military might and into the political and economic realms, with the aim of withstanding bombardment until the conflict becomes too costly for the belligerents to maintain.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
The finished structure contains microscopic channels that allow heat to move efficiently while withstanding harsh operating environments.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
After withstanding barrages that bookended the Utah Mammoth’s losing effort on Friday, the Ducks returned home to await Sunday’s clash with the Buffalo Sabres, the NHL’s hottest team over a span of more than four months.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
Such is life for a Celtics team that doesn’t have the highest ceiling (a Jayson Tatum medical miracle withstanding) but has arguably the highest floor of any team in the East.
—Law Murray, New York Times, 2 Mar. 2026
With its silvery-blue needles, the blue spruce is not only an elegant addition to many yards but also is capable of withstanding adverse conditions, including cold weather.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for withstanding
Verb
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Miami-Dade prosecutors dismissed two stalking and resisting arrest charges against Hollis on Thursday.—
Carol Marbin Miller,
Miami Herald,
27 Apr. 2026
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Nine teens, ages 13 to 16 were arrested, some of them on charges of battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting law enforcement.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The two countries have backed opposing forces in Yemen and are competing economically.—
Camila Domonoske,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
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The legislation passed with broad bipartisan support in the Senate, but some Republicans rejected the bill, opposing earmarking millions more to maintain the fortified Capitol and equip it with the staff necessary to keep the screenings going.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Withstanding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/withstanding. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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