Synonyms for

Sustain

Verb / sʌˈsteɪn / Another word for sustain — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to support, hold, or keep in existence; to maintain

Synonyms & similar words

keep hold negate support confirm have suffer corroborate nourish substantiate get maintain prolong holdup nurture keepup affirm maintain uphold support continue persevere endure prolong nurture keep prop scaffold underpin bolster brace buttress strengthen fortify reinforce

Synonyms by register

Formal

maintain uphold support nourish

Informal

keep up carry on go on

Literary

underpin prop

Antonyms

cease discontinue stop halt end terminate abolish

Common collocations

  • sustain life
  • sustain damage
  • sustain losses
  • sustain an injury
  • sustain growth
  • sustain hope
  • sustain a system
  • sustain a relationship

Word family

noun sustenance
verb sustain
adjective sustainable
adverb sustainably

Usage note

Often used in contexts of maintaining something over time, such as life, growth, or a system. Be mindful of its formal register; avoid using it in very casual conversation.

Example sentences

  1. The plants need water to sustain their growth.
  2. Our family's love will sustain us through tough times.
  3. We need to sustain our efforts to protect the environment.
  4. The athlete needs to eat healthy to sustain their energy during the game.
  5. The organization relies on donations to sustain their programs.

Quotes

  • The art of life is to know how to enjoy a little and to endure much. - William Hazlitt
  • We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. - Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Confucius

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words