easy
Our class discussed sustain during science time.
What does Sustain mean?
to keep something going over time.
Dictionary definition
To keep something going or support it over time.
Example sentences
Sustain in a sentence
medium
The article used sustain to explain how people affect nature.
hard
Writers can use sustain to describe environmental ideas clearly and responsibly.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice sustain in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Sustain
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does sustain mean?
Sustain means to keep something going over time.
Practice 2
Which word or phrase is closest in meaning to sustain?
Maintain is close in meaning to sustain in this context.
Practice 3
Which word or phrase is a useful contrast for sustain?
Stop contrasts with sustain in this context.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Sustain
Voice settings
Sounds like
suh · stayn · strongest beat: stayn
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordSustain.
Partverb.
MeaningSustain means to keep something going over time.
ExampleExample: Our class discussed sustain during science time.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- suh · stayn
- Strongest beat
- stayn
- Ending
- stayn
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on stayn.
Your turn
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Nice work—you practiced sustain.
Synonyms
Words like Sustain
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice sustain synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The snack helped sustain the hikers during the walk," then compare close word choices. Practice sustain synonyms.
Word family
Sustain word family
Base word
sustain
verb
sustains
Keeps going now or often.
adjective
sustainable
Able to continue over time.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Sustain
Hint for students
to keep something going over time.
Common mix-up
Sustain is not the same as stop. Sustain means to keep something going over time.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The article used sustain to explain how people affect nature. Clue words: article, used, explain. Underline clue words that show why sustain fits instead of stop. Now write one new sentence that shows sustain without using the word sustain. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show sustain?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The article used sustain to explain how people affect nature." Why does sustain fit better than stop?
Learning activities
Practice Sustain and explore more word games
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Sentence Builder
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Synonym Search
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