Entry Word: strong

Function: adjective

Meaning: 1 having muscles capable of exerting great physical force <I need some strong people to help me move furniture>

Synonyms brawny, muscular, rugged, sinewy, stalwart, stout

Related Words forceful, mighty, potent, powerful, puissant; able-bodied, athletic, fit, trim; beefy, burly, husky, strapping; masculine, virile; hard, inured, strengthened, sturdy, tough, toughened; energetic, energized, invigorated, lusty, red-blooded, robust, vigorous, vitalized; hale, healthy, hearty, sound

Near Antonyms challenged, disabled, incapacitated, paralyzed; impotent, powerless; puny, slight, small, unfit, unhealthy

Antonyms delicate, feeble, frail, weak, wimpy

2 able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure <the doctor soon declared her strong enough to go home from the hospital> — see hardy 1
3 having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor <you donʼt want to use a strong cheese on pizza, so use something mild like mozzarella> — see sharp 3
4 having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) <strong coffee> <thatʼs mighty strong perfume youʼre wearing> — see full-bodied
5 having an unpleasant smell <the dogʼs strong breath nearly bowled me over> — see malodorous
6 having great power or influence <a time when the country needed a strong leader> — see important 2
7 having the power to persuade <made a strong argument for starting school an hour later each day> — see cogent
8 marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion <buildings strong enough to withstand an earthquake> — see stable 1
9 not showing weakness or uncertainty <a strong belief in the value of hard work> — see firm 1