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.
Investors appear to be apprehensive about Affirm’s ability to sustain both annual 30% gross-merchandise-volume growth and expand adjusted operating margins, Faucette said.
From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026
"It is hard to sustain that growth at a very high rate continuously."
From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026
Having the flexibility to sustain your lifestyle in a down market is a nice cushion to rest your head on at night.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026
Currently, tight market balances alone are sufficient to sustain crude at historical stress levels, even without a worst-case conflict escalation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026
The decaying human form cannot sustain the power of spirit for long.
From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older
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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