sustentation

noun

sus·​ten·​ta·​tion ˌsə-stən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce sustentation (audio)
-ˌsten-
Synonyms of sustentationnext
1
: the act of sustaining : the state of being sustained: such as
a
: maintenance, upkeep
b
: preservation, conservation
c
: maintenance of life, growth, or morale
d
: provision with sustenance
2
: something that sustains : support
sustentative
ˈsə-stən-ˌtā-tiv How to pronounce sustentation (audio)
sə-ˈsten-tə-tiv
adjective

Synonyms

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Examples of sustentation in a Sentence

argues that a new toll is needed to pay for the long-term sustentation of the city's bridges the all-important sustentation of Mount Vernon, Monticello, and other national treasures

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin sustentation-, sustentatio act of holding up, from sustentare to hold up, frequentative of sustinēre to sustain

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sustentation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for sustentation

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Browse Nearby Words

sustentacular cell
sustentation
sustentation fund
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Cite this Entry

“Sustentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sustentation. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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