stand by 1 of 2

verb

Definition of stand bynext
as in to keep (to)
to give steadfast support to no matter how much people object, I will stand by my decision

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

standby

2 of 2

noun

ˈstan(d)-ˌbī How to pronounce standby (audio)
as in anchor
something or someone to which one looks for support our old standby in times of trouble

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stand by
Verb
Amiri stands by the incidents in which his K-9 bit a suspect, Goyette told McClatchy News. — Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 18 Mar. 2025 Will Congress and the American people really stand by and let this happen? — Michael Eric Siegel, Baltimore Sun, 17 Mar. 2025
Noun
The deal announced today has been greeted with relief by the French industry — multiple projects for which Canal+ is a vital ally in the pre-financing stage have been on standby for months. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 3 Mar. 2025 But in late 1940, the secretary of the Navy activated all reserve units and placed them on standby. — Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stand by
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stand by
  1. anchor
  2. backbone
  3. mainstay
  4. reliance
  5. defend
  6. pillar
Noun
  • The words hold a special meaning for the morning anchor.
    — Effie Orfanides, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Bret Baier currently serves as FOX News Channel's (FNC) anchor and executive editor of Special Report with Bret Baier (weeknights at 6-7PM/ET), chief political anchor of the network and co-anchor of the network’s election coverage.
    — Bret Baier, Fox News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of anchor
Noun
  • This simple principle is the backbone of all healthy relationships.
    — Lieke ten Brummelhuis, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Such alliances have been the backbone of U.S. foreign policy and have distinguished the U.S. from other past global superpowers.
    — Matthew Clary, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of backbone
Noun
  • Conducting routine pay equity analyses to ensure the absence of any discrimination will continue to be a mainstay of any responsible company.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Alongside the release of the photo essay, Mitchell penned a written essay, a love letter depicting his affinity for his hometown, Atlanta, and how a keen sense of dressing is a mainstay there.
    — Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of mainstay
Noun
  • The report highlights Iran’s escalating reliance on technology to monitor and punish women defying the mandatory dress code.
    — Mohammed Tawfeeq, CNN, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Kara says the tariff dispute has prompted reflection on the country’s reliance on the U.S. and the need for greater economic independence.
    — Charlotte Morabito, CNBC, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of reliance
Verb
  • Providence stoked to defend Class 4A state title, but Lincoln-Way West also will contend.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2025
  • The overwhelming majority of protests for Palestinian freedom are nonviolent and welcoming to all people of conscience who adhere to international law and defend human rights.
    — Nikki Morse, Baltimore Sun, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of defend
Noun
  • To combat these effects, conservation efforts, sustainable agriculture, and global restoration initiatives are essential to preserving forests as pillars of climate resilience and food sustainability.
    — Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • While representing different pillars of hip-hop, 50 and Kanye have been pop-culture fixtures for more than two decades.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of pillar

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Cite this Entry

“Stand by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stand%20by. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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