SUFFER Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

suffer

verb

ˈsə-fər

Definition of suffer next

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

Relevance

as in to grieve

to feel deep sadness or mental pain the husband suffered deeply at the mere suggestion that he had been unfaithful

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to permit

to give permission for or to approve of contends that the death penalty is something that no civilized society should suffer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to let

to fail to prevent (some behavior on someone's part) especially from neglect or indifference I will not suffer you to insult me so!

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 As a man with a good job and a comfortable lifestyle, his father had a target on his back trying to raise his family in L.A. As a result of all the building economic and social pressures weighing on his father’s chest, his family physiologically suffered. —

Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 The drug cocktail injected in IV bags by Ortiz contributed to numerous patients at the surgical center suffering from cardiac emergencies during routine medical procedures performed by doctors, the U.S. Attorney's Office said. —

Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024 The inferiority, dictated by protocol, from which the younger brother suffered could have fueled bitterness for years. —

Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2024 More than 94% of loans worldwide have gone to women, who suffer disproportionately from poverty and are more likely to use earnings to help their families than men. —

Charlie Campbell, TIME, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for suffer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for suffer

Verb

Stars including Evan Peters, Charlize Theron, Lupita Nyong'o and James McAvoy have all undergone serious transformations in an effort to bring some of the creepiest characters in cinema history to the big screen.

Lydia Price, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024
The singular Capella Manor and the two Colonial Manors at the five-star resort have undergone a full refresh.

Tori Latham, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024