Entry Word: stable

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion <the tower was stable enough to withstand the strongest winds without collapsing>

Synonyms fast, firm, sound, stalwart, strong, sturdy

Related Words dependable, durable, reliable; solid; cohesive, tough

Near Antonyms insecure, weak

Antonyms unsound, unstable, unsteady

2 having been established and usually not subject to change <a nation badly in need of a stable government> — see fixed 1
3 having full use of one's mind and control over one's actions <she made some strange decisions back when she wasn't entirely stable> — see sane
4 not undergoing a change in condition <a stable economic climate is best for business> — see constant 1