STURDY Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'sturdy' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sturdy are stalwart , stout , strong , tenacious , and tough . While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction. // a sturdy table // people of sturdy independence

Q: When might 'stalwart' be a better fit than 'sturdy'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sturdy , stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability. // stalwart environmentalists

Q: When could 'stout' be used to replace 'sturdy'?

The meanings of stout and sturdy largely overlap; however, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way. // stout hiking boots

Q: When is 'strong' a more appropriate choice than 'sturdy'?

The words strong and sturdy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources. // strong arms // the defense has a strong case

Q: When is it sensible to use 'tenacious' instead of 'sturdy'?

Although the words tenacious and sturdy have much in common, tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together. // tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

Q: In what contexts can 'tough' take the place of 'sturdy'?

The words tough and sturdy can be used in similar contexts, but tough implies great firmness and resiliency. // a tough political opponent

sturdy

adjective

ˈstər-dē

Definition of sturdy next

as in hardy

able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure it took a sturdy person to endure the life of a pioneer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in strong

marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion wear sturdy boots because we will be going over sharp rocks and uneven terrain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in solid

not showing weakness or uncertainty you'll need a sturdy grasp of the concepts of algebra before you can take calculus

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of sturdy are stalwart, stout, strong, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table

people of sturdy independence

When might stalwart be a better fit than sturdy?

While in some cases nearly identical to sturdy, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When could stout be used to replace sturdy?

The meanings of stout and sturdy largely overlap; however, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When is strong a more appropriate choice than sturdy?

The words strong and sturdy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use tenacious instead of sturdy?

Although the words tenacious and sturdy have much in common, 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 sturdy?

The words tough and sturdy can be used in similar contexts, but 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 sturdy The duo knew from their previous studies that certain cells in the mouse embryo were tenser and sturdier than others due to differences in their internal scaffolds, which underpin the cell membrane and keep it taut. —

Clare Watson, Quanta Magazine, 27 Feb. 2026 Taking a page from the viral Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans playbook, these stretchy yet sturdy pull-on wide-leg pants deliver a similar look for a fraction of the price. —

Annie Blackman, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026 If your goal is nevertheless a wide-angle landscape image showing multiple planets at once, use a manual mirrorless camera or DSLR with a wide-angle lens (about 14mm) mounted on a sturdy tripod. —

Jamie Carter, Space.com, 26 Feb. 2026 They’re made of thick, shatterproof plastic that's sturdy enough to stand up to Southern storms, too. —

Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sturdy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdy

Adjective

Researchers tested whether a hardy bacterium could endure the crushing pressures generated when a space rock slams into a planet and ejects debris into space.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Mar. 2026
How To Harvest Rosemary For Winter While rosemary is a perennial herb that is hardy to USDA plant hardiness zone 8, it can be grown as an annual in cooler climates.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2026