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Definition of suffernext
1
as in to undergo
to come to a knowledge of (something) by living through it willingly suffered hardships so that their children would have a better life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb suffer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of suffer are abide, bear, endure, stand, and tolerate. While all these words mean "to put up with something trying or painful," suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

When is it sensible to use abide instead of suffer?

While in some cases nearly identical to suffer, abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

When can bear be used instead of suffer?

In some situations, the words bear and suffer are roughly equivalent. However, bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

Where would endure be a reasonable alternative to suffer?

The words endure and suffer can be used in similar contexts, but endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

When is stand a more appropriate choice than suffer?

The synonyms stand and suffer are sometimes interchangeable, but stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

When would tolerate be a good substitute for suffer?

The words tolerate and suffer are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.

refused to tolerate such treatment

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 suffer The lagoon is the most biologically diverse estuary on the nation’s east coast, but the manatees, birds and fish that call it home are suffering dramatically from the death of seagrass and the abundance of noxious algae that thrive on polluted water. Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2026 Brady Christensen is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury, while swing tackle Yosh Nijman could be looking for a starting job after filling in admirably, at times, for Taylor Moton and Ickey Ekwonu, who suffered a ruptured patellar tendon on Saturday against the Rams. Charlotte Observer, 11 Jan. 2026 That means he still hasn’t been reintegrated to practice nearly two weeks since suffering a hamstring strain. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026 The two-time All-Pro suffered a season-ending knee injury in a Week 15 loss at Denver, and the defense struggled without him. Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suffer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffer
Verb
  • At the reception center, deportees undergo health screenings and receive vaccines.
    Daniel Gonzalez, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Clyde Sharikova-Sudarma, a local veterinarian who undergoes expensive annual MRIs for an ongoing medical condition, said his premiums could double next year.
    Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • According to a new Daily Mail report, Reiner’s grieving siblings, Jake and Romy, are not inclined to support any attempt by their brother to lessen his criminal responsibility for their parents’ murder.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her husband Ivara Esege, MD, are grieving an unimaginable loss.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • My late father tried to maintain that routine to renew our Egyptian residency permits annually out of fear Israel would expel us from our home again one day.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Temporary residence permits allow foreigners to live and work in Germany, as well as receive government benefits, but mean their ability to remain there is uncertain.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Making sure pan handles are turned outward, moving flammable towels and potholders away from open burners and not letting grease build up.
    Tina Patel, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The straight-leg fit here is the ideal balance for anyone who doesn’t love baggy or wide-leg styles, and the ankle-grazing length lets your favorite winter boots take center stage.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Elordi plays Dorrigo Evans, an army surgeon who becomes a war hero after enduring some time in captivity in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp.
    Brianne Tracy, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Long before Maduro’s capture, severe blackouts were sidelining life in Cuba, where people endured long lines at gas stations and supermarkets amid the island nation’s worst economic crisis in decades.
    Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • By evening, hundreds were there for a vigil to mourn the death and urge the public to resist immigration enforcers.
    Tim Sullivan, Twin Cities, 7 Jan. 2026
  • And as the university mourns Ward’s death, Self helped to put the win in perspective.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • These platforms display prices and coverages side by side, allowing drivers to spot differences that may not be clear at first glance.
    Ethan M. Stone, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Neutrality allowed the nation to build strength, expand westward, and avoid the ideological contagions sweeping the continent.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The shed can tolerate up to 6 inches of snow, prevents rainwater from pooling, and has engineered air vents that ensure optimal ventilation inside.
    Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
  • For families This is the rare wilderness lodge where kids aren't just tolerated—they're given the kind of freedom that barely exists anymore.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Suffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/suffer. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on suffer

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