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.
"We working for nothing at the minute and we can't sustain that," he said.
From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026
O'Leary said that along with big-budget crowd-pleasing US films, a growing suite of international fare is helping to sustain cinemas.
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 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
Poorer countries, however, lack the funds to sustain such measures.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
A general rule of racing is that virtually no horse can sustain his maximum speed for more than three eighths of a mile.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
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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