Synonyms for

Survive

Verb / sɜ:ˈvaɪv / Another word for survive — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to remain alive or in existence

Synonyms & similar words

last liveon subsist exist outlive comethrough pullround pullthrough makeit succumb outlast endure holdup go holdout live thrive persist endure remain exist surmount overcome withstand weather prevail last

Synonyms by register

Formal

endure persevere persist remain

Informal

pull through make it get by hang on

Literary

weather outlast eke out

Antonyms

die perish succumb fail collapse decline cease

Common collocations

  • survive a disaster
  • survive the odds
  • survive the winter
  • survive on minimal resources
  • survive a plane crash
  • survive a shipwreck
  • survive a fall

Word family

noun survival
verb survive
adjective survivable
adverb survivably

Usage note

While 'survive' can be used transitively (e.g., 'survive the attack'), it is more commonly used intransitively. Ensure correct prepositions are used when specifying the means of survival, such as 'survive on' or 'survive by'.

Example sentences

  1. I have to survive the storm.
  2. The plants will not survive without water.
  3. He was able to survive the accident.
  4. She needs to survive on her own.
  5. We need to survive the pandemic.

Quotes

  • It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change. - Charles Darwin
  • Hope will never be silent. - Harvey Milk
  • Survival is not the goal, transformative survival is. - Adrienne Maree Brown

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