Withstand
What it means
To remain sound or resolute despite force, pressure, or hardship.
Reach for it when emphasizing successful resistance without collapse or surrender
The reinforced bridge can withstand the river's strongest seasonal flow.
Words to choose between 7
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional |
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| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
hold up
Fits when informal language for continued condition is enough
Careful Hold up is vague about what kind of pressure was resisted.
-
everyday
resist
Fits when opposing a force or temptation is the main action
Careful Resistance can fail before the pressure ends; withstanding confirms continued integrity.
-
everyday
Fits when continued existence is the only threshold
Careful Survival permits severe damage, while withstand suggests integrity under the force.
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warm
stand firm
Fits when human resolve against social pressure is being praised
Careful Stand firm concerns conviction and is unnatural for materials or structures.
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formal
bear
Fits when carrying a load or tolerating strain is intended
Careful Bear can mean merely experience something without remaining unaffected.
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formal
endure
Fits when continuing through pain or hardship deserves emphasis
Careful Endure allows suffering and damage rather than effective resistance.
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literary
weather
Fits when surviving a difficult period is the useful image
Careful Weather usually applies to crises over time, not a measured physical load.
Opposites 3
- succumb
- collapse
- yield
Common phrases 3
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withstand pressure
The seal must withstand pressure well above normal operating levels.
-
built to withstand
The shelter was built to withstand wind-driven rain from every direction.
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withstand scrutiny
A transparent method should withstand scrutiny from both supporters and critics.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated