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strong evidence
substantial evidence
clear evidence
extensive evidence
compelling evidence
convincing evidence
strong feelings
intense feelings
passionate feelings
powerful feelings
heightened feelings
profound feelings
strong opposition
significant opposition
robust opposition
firm opposition
staunch opposition
considerable opposition
a strong relationship
a positive relationship
a sturdy relationship
a solid relationship
a close relationship
a tight relationship
strong winds
ferocious winds
damaging winds
high winds
heavy winds
rough winds

Synonym Chooser

How is the word strong different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of strong are stalwart, stout, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms
the defense has a strong case

When might stalwart be a better fit than strong?

The meanings of stalwart and strong largely overlap; however, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When would stout be a good substitute for strong?

The words stout and strong can be used in similar contexts, but stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When is it sensible to use sturdy instead of strong?

The words sturdy and strong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

Where would tenacious be a reasonable alternative to strong?

In some situations, the words tenacious and strong are roughly equivalent. However, tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

In what contexts can tough take the place of strong?

Although the words tough and strong have much in common, tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of strong Today, though inflation’s back in our future, the big selloff launched a new era of strong real returns. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2023 Hiring remained strong last month as employers added 233,000 jobs and wages grew a robust 4.6% compared to a year earlier. Max Zahn, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2023 Carry it by hand or use the shoulder strap that attaches with strong metal buckles (not pictured). Jessica Hartshorn, Good Housekeeping, 12 Jan. 2023 Deadwyler’s performance has had a strong effect on audiences. Caryn James, Town & Country, 12 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for strong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong
Adjective
  • Overall, mobility suffers and injury risk increases as your body reacts to increasing core instability by creating protective tension and muscular compensations — often straining the lower back.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • Urine travels from the kidneys through muscular tubes called ureters to the bladder.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • One of the most powerful moments of the night was the Waiting to Exhale tribute, beautifully curated by Adam Blackstone.
    Essence, Essence, 10 July 2025
  • This Summer Personal branding is one of the most powerful ways to reach your goals.
    William Arruda, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The Gritti’s dock-manager to Grazer’s left, foreground right in the shot, may be suspicious that his sturdy right elbow, offered for support during that parlous little leap from land to sea, is being roundly ignored.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until this storm passes.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Produced by Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville, Belle Meade Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon that offers a rich and spicy profile.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • Get the party started with these sweet and spicy chicken wings.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • This rich cream also has panthenol and niacinamide for a smooth and bouncy complexion.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Now, four years later, 40 square miles of river-floodplain wetlands are now rehydrated, rich wildlife is starting to come back, and the wild system proved its value during 2022’s Hurricane Ian.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Use up ripe bananas in this fun twist on a cobbler.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
  • When tomatoes are just ripe, Holland advises placing them in the refrigerator for no more than two days to prevent them from getting too soft.
    Logan Holland, People.com, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • In a category full of compelling options, this is arguably the most compelling choice.
    Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Beever-Jones, who has scored four goals in three England games, Grace Clinton and Michelle Agyemang are all compelling options to use from the bench and the blend of youth and experience feels right.
    Nancy Froston, New York Times, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Queen Plus Linen Drawstring Shorts A pair of easy-to-throw-on linen shorts is crucial to a solid summer wardrobe.
    Amber Love Bond, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
  • Jakobi Meyers is a solid receiver, but Vegas still needs to upgrade its receiver room.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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