as in keeping (to)
to give steadfast support to
no matter how much people object, I will stand by my decision
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 standing by
Meghan’s sharing posts about everything except standing by him.
—
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2025
To him, the equipment staff shuffling pieces around on the field during practice is just as important as the head coach standing by.
—Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Aimee Lou Wood is standing by her decision to call out Saturday Night Live for a sketch that poked fun at her teeth, comparing the moment to confronting a bully as a child.
—Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
Another neighbor called 911 because the Cane Corsos were standing by her door, preventing her from leaving her house and reaching her car.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025
For now, the network is standing by its star, pointing to the strong ratings and massive online engagement as evidence of his value to the brand.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
The first winters after the Accords also brought public menorah lightings for Hanukkah, with Emiratis proudly standing by, and sometimes lighting the candles, with Jewish community leaders.
—Monica Marks, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
While not part of XWeaponX, Knocked Loose drummer Kevin Kaine was in the crowd supporting his friends and standing by Thursday to immediately head out for a gig in Chicago opening for Slayer.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2025
As his car moved forward, an ICE officer standing by the passenger side of Villegas-Gonzalez’s car was dragged, surveillance footage from a nearby business broadcast by CBS News shows.
—Selina Guevara, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2025
To him, the equipment staff shuffling pieces around on the field during practice is just as important as the head coach standing by.
—Christopher Kamrani, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
Aimee Lou Wood is standing by her decision to call out Saturday Night Live for a sketch that poked fun at her teeth, comparing the moment to confronting a bully as a child.
—Jessica Wang, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
Another neighbor called 911 because the Cane Corsos were standing by her door, preventing her from leaving her house and reaching her car.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2025
For now, the network is standing by its star, pointing to the strong ratings and massive online engagement as evidence of his value to the brand.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
The first winters after the Accords also brought public menorah lightings for Hanukkah, with Emiratis proudly standing by, and sometimes lighting the candles, with Jewish community leaders.
—Monica Marks, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
While not part of XWeaponX, Knocked Loose drummer Kevin Kaine was in the crowd supporting his friends and standing by Thursday to immediately head out for a gig in Chicago opening for Slayer.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Sep. 2025
As his car moved forward, an ICE officer standing by the passenger side of Villegas-Gonzalez’s car was dragged, surveillance footage from a nearby business broadcast by CBS News shows.
—Selina Guevara, NBC news, 17 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for standing by
defending
Verb
-
Airborne and amphibious warfare are key capabilities for defending Japanese islands beyond the four main islands—Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu—as they are designed to project forces from the sea and air to retake islands occupied by an enemy.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Barry has spent 26 years handling Hatch Act cases, defending both Republicans and Democrats.—
Alexandra Skores,
CNN Money,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Standing by.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/standing%20by. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share