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.
Humans can often sustain focus on a specific goal while filtering out competing information.
From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026
Zendaya’s ability to sustain Rue’s humor and humanity across Season 3’s eight episodes of shock-and-awe material shows real commitment.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
At 59, he is disillusioned and doubts that Los Angeles will sustain its efforts beyond the Olympic Games.
From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026
Critics say the distinction is difficult to sustain when the account belongs to a head of state.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
This was patently untrue, but a justifiable distortion in the Jeffersonian scheme of things because motivated by an authentic urge to sustain the friendship.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
Vocabulary lists containing sustain
List 2
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"Joyas Voladoras" by Brian Doyle
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Mother's Day Words: What Mothers Do
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