endure

verb

en·​dure in-ˈdu̇r How to pronounce endure (audio)
-ˈdyu̇r,
en-
endured; enduring

intransitive verb

1
: to continue in the same state : last entry 1
the style endured for centuries
2
: to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding
though it is difficult, we must endure

transitive verb

1
: to undergo especially without giving in : suffer
endure hardships
endured great pain
2
: to regard with acceptance or tolerance
could not endure noisy children
Choose the Right Synonym for endure

bear, suffer, endure, abide, tolerate, stand mean to put up with something trying or painful.

bear usually implies the power to sustain without flinching or breaking.

forced to bear a tragic loss

suffer often suggests acceptance or passivity rather than courage or patience in bearing.

suffering many insults

endure implies continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties.

endured years of rejection

abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest.

cannot abide their rudeness

tolerate suggests overcoming or successfully controlling an impulse to resist, avoid, or resent something injurious or distasteful.

refused to tolerate such treatment

stand emphasizes even more strongly the ability to bear without discomposure or flinching.

unable to stand teasing

continue, last, endure, abide, persist mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely.

continue applies to a process going on without ending.

the search for peace will continue

last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

buy shoes that will last

endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

in spite of everything, her faith endured

abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

the sense of guilt persisted

Examples of endure in a Sentence

She wants to make sure her legacy will endure. He endured five years as a prisoner of war. We endured the lecture for as long as we could.
Recent Examples on the Web Childhood trauma has lasting effects on stress response, which could lead to enduring psychological distress. Jennifer Chesak, Verywell Health, 14 Mar. 2024 Along with job losses, the enduring shift to remote work has emptied out downtown streets. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024 The enduring mystery of the Phoenix Lights has fueled speculation about the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors or clandestine government activities. The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 Ahead of Frida’s March 14 release on Prime Video, Vogue spoke to Gutierrez about putting the film together and Kahlo’s enduring legacy. Kui Mwai, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024 Officials urged the donors to give more, casting the moment as perilous for the group’s mission, even as the programming demonstrated AIPAC’s enduring clout. Kenneth P. Vogel, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Stewart has returned to the anchor chair of Comedy Central’s enduring mock-newscast after leaving in 2015, ending a 16-year stint as its host. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2024 The photos that bring enduring joy tend to be those in which people’s quirks, mischievousness and even grumpiness come through. Robin Givhan, Washington Post, 12 Mar. 2024 Some have been orphaned, while others endure the fear of their parents being killed by Israeli strikes. Sana Noor Haq, CNN, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'endure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French endurer, from Vulgar Latin *indurare, from Latin, to harden, from in- + durare to harden, endure — more at during

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near endure

Cite this Entry

“Endure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endure. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

endure

verb
en·​dure in-ˈd(y)u̇(ə)r How to pronounce endure (audio)
endured; enduring
1
: to continue in the same state : last
2
: to bear patiently : suffer
3
: to allow to happen or continue : tolerate
endurable
-ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-bəl
adjective
enduring
in-ˈd(y)u̇r-iŋ
adjective
enduringly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on endure

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