Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Suffer” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
To feel pain, sadness, or difficulty.
Meaning of Suffer
To feel pain or sadness.
4 Synonyms for Suffer — Words Similar to Suffer
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
endure
/ɪnˈdjʊər/To bear or put up with something difficult or painful without giving up. Or, to continue to exist or remain over time.
Example: Refugees often endure tremendous hardship and loss before reaching safety.
bear
/beər/a large furry animal that lives in forests or mountains; eats meat and plants
Example: A brown bear was spotted near the mountain forest.
experience
/ɪkˈspɪəriəns/Things that happen to you that you learn from; knowledge from doing something.
Example: She had five years of experience working in marketing.
undergo
/ˌʌndərˈɡoʊ/To experience or go through something. Often used for difficult processes or changes that happen to someone.
Example: The patient will undergo surgery next week to repair the torn ligament.
Smart Synonyms for Suffer — When to Use Each
endure
continue to suffer or deal with difficulty
bear
accept pain or sadness with patience
experience
have something bad happen to you
How to Use Suffer and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- He suffered from a headache. A2
- Many people suffer in war. B1
- The business suffered losses. B2
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Suffer
What is another word for "suffer"?
Common synonyms for "suffer" include: endure, bear, experience, undergo.
What can I say instead of "suffer"?
Try one of these alternatives: endure, bear, experience, undergo. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "suffer" formal or informal?
"suffer" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "suffer" instead of "endure"?
Use "suffer" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "endure" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.