Search Dictionary
Definition of survive

survive

/sɚˈvaɪv/
sur · vive
Adjective:survivable
•
Past Simple:survived
•
Past Participle:survived
•
Present Participle:surviving
JUMP TO:

survive Lexical Profile

survive Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To continue to live or exist, especially in spite of danger, hardship, or an accident.

Example

"Only a few hardy desert plants can survive in such arid conditions without regular rainfall."

2

To manage to keep going or cope in difficult financial or personal circumstances.

Example

"The small bookstore struggled to survive during the economic downturn."

3

To remain alive after the death of a particular person.

Example

"He was survived by his wife, three children, and four grandchildren."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for survive
Antonyms
View all antonyms for survive

• Rhymes for survive

• Nearby Words

survival
survivalism
survivalist
survive
survivor
survivorship
sus

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Anglo-French survivre, which derives from Latin supervivere, meaning 'to live beyond' or 'to outlive' (from super- 'over, beyond' + vivere 'to live').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Survive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/survive
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.