sustain
Usage
What are other ways to say sustain?
To sustain, a rather elevated word, suggests completeness and adequacy in supporting: The court sustained his claim. To support is to hold up or add strength to, literally or figuratively: The columns support the roof. To maintain is to support so as to preserve intact: to maintain an attitude of defiance. Uphold applies especially to supporting or backing another, as in a statement, opinion, or belief: to uphold the rights of a minority.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Yet the deep water and open land that sustain his livelihood are part of what make Moerdijk so attractive to planners.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
"We working for nothing at the minute and we can't sustain that," he said.
From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026
Mr. Goldhaber just can’t sustain them, ending up with a film that’s short on staying power.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
Snyder expressed concern that such automation would taint the company’s efforts to sustain its in-person customer service and fresh food.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
I have no idea whether this treasured egg was meant as a special cure for sorrow, or if they merely thought we needed the protein to sustain our dreadful journey.
From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver
Vocabulary lists containing sustain
List 2
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Mother's Day Words: What Mothers Do
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"Joyas Voladoras" by Brian Doyle
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