to stand by

Examples

• All

• If you tell me the truth, no matter what it is, I'll stand by you.

  Fiction book (1990)

• During her tough times, my family stood by her and offered their support.

• Whatever happens here today, I will stand by every decision that you make.

  Fly Me to the Moon (2024)

• I stand by my daughter.

  Wedding Crashers (2005)

• You have stood by me through thick and thin, good times and bad.

  Late Night with the Devil (2024)

• "Whatever you want to do," she told Gretel, "I'll stand by you."

  Fiction book (1997)

• I also must thank my lover and my life partner, Mianna, for standing by me.

  Fiction book (1997)

• I will always stand by my friends, no matter what challenges we face.

• He promised to stand by her throughout her difficulties, showing true loyalty.

Synonyms

S

to stick

vsto stand by

∞ 3.5

To stay loyal to someone or a group

focuses on loyalty to people specifically in hard times

B

to be there for

vsto stand by

• Informal

443 2.7

To help and support someone when they are going through a hard time

stresses loyalty and ongoing backing rather than mere availability

S

to stick with

vsto stand by

341 3.6

Keep doing or supporting something even when it is difficult

focuses on steady loyalty rather than momentary defence or action

S

to stand up for

vsto stand by

256 2.7

Defend or support someone who is treated unfairly

is broader loyalty that includes quiet presence as well as defence

S

to stay together

vsto stand by

140 2.1

Remain close and loyal to each other during hard times

can apply to one person's loyalty rather than group unity

A

to adhere

vsto stand by

87 4.7

Continue to follow and support a rule, belief, or person

is interpersonal loyalty to people rather than abstract rules

S

to stand with

vsto stand by

84 2.9

Support a person, group, or cause during hard times

includes private steady loyalty, not only public alignment

S

to stick by

vsto stand by

• Informal

47 3.6

To stay with and support someone in hard times

is the same idea expressed more neutrally as backing through hardship

S

to stand together

vsto stand by

33 3.4

To join others to support the same cause

covers individual loyalty too, not only collective public unity

H

to hold to

vsto stand by

25 3.5

To stay loyal to a promise, plan or belief

concerns loyalty to people in hardships rather than ideas or plans

S

to support each other

vsto stand by

20 2.6

To help and encourage each other during difficult times

is one-sided loyalty or support rather than mutual teamwork

S

to stand by one's man

vsto stand by

5 6.8

Support and stay loyal to your husband or partner during hard times

is general support to any person, not limited to romantic partners

S

to stand up with

vsto stand by

1 3.9

Support and defend other people who share a cause

means staying loyal quietly rather than actively joining causes

S

to stand in the gap

vsto stand by

1 7.1

Help or act for others when they need support

is ongoing loyalty rather than specific intervening actions

H

to have (someone's) back

vsto stand by

• Informal

4.1

Support and protect someone in hard times

emphasizes steady loyalty over active protection in a crisis

G

to go to the wall

vsto stand by

• Informal

6.6

To stand up for someone when they are in trouble

is continuous loyalty over time rather than a single brave act

Antonyms

A

to abandon

773 3.1

Leave someone or something behind permanently and without care

B

to betray

397 4.2

Let someone down when they need you

How Supportive

to champion

64 4.2

to stand by

187 3.2

to be there for

• Informal

443 2.7

support

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology