Stalwarts Definition & Meaning

Choose the Right Synonym for stalwart

Adjective

strong, stout, sturdy, stalwart, tough, tenacious 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 stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way. stout hiking boots sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction. a sturdy table people of sturdy independence stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability. stalwart environmentalists tough implies great firmness and resiliency. a tough political opponent tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together. tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

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Sometime in the 15th century, English speakers began to use stalwart in place of the older form stalworth. Although stalworth is now archaic, it laid the groundwork for today's meaning of stalwart. During the 12th century, forms of stalworth began to be used to describe strongly built people or animals (a meaning stalwart carries). It also came to be used as an adjective for people who showed bravery or courage (likewise a meaning passed on to stalwart). So, in a way, stalwart has been serviceable in keeping the spirit of stalworth alive. This character of stalwart is true to its roots. Stalworth came from the Old English word stǣlwierthe (meaning "serviceable"), which, in turn, is thought to come from terms meaning "foundation" and "worth."

Examples of stalwart in a Sentence

Adjective their strong and stalwart son the stalwart soldiers in the army of Alexander the Great, who willingly followed him to the ends of the known world

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Despite juggling injuries and illness, LaVine recorded a stalwart season for the Bulls alongside DeMar DeRozan, earning his second-straight All-Star selection while averaging 24.4 points and 4.5 assists. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2022 In Barvinkove, west of Kramatorsk, the rockets have rained down day and night, destroying homes and forcing all but the most stalwart, or stubborn, to flee. — New York Times, 9 May 2022 Many a stalwart Texan backed away after one look at the Tuscan red woodwork, lumbering swaths of green granite countertops, and mother lode of gaudy golds that once defined the interiors of this Dallas home. — Sally Finder Weepie, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 May 2022 Up 2-0 and showing now signs of slowing down are red-hot breakout star Jordan Poole and stalwart defender Draymond Green. — oregonlive, 21 Apr. 2022 Jackson's arrival at the high court will mark the first time two African Americans will serve together – Justice Clarence Thomas, a stalwart conservative, and Jackson, who is expected to be liberal. — John Fritze, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2022 Defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert was a late scratch for Utah because of the 7-foot-1 center’s right leg contusion as another 7-footer, Hassan Whiteside, sat for the second consecutive game with a right foot sprain. — The Salt Lake Tribune, 28 Mar. 2022 He is also frustrated that someone like him, a stalwart conservative, can suddenly find himself with no obvious place in the party. — Ashley Parker, Amy Gardner And Josh Dawsey, Anchorage Daily News, 6 Jan. 2022 Zuern, 70, a stalwart conservative, was not vaccinated, according to a close friend and one of her neighbors, the newspaper said. — BostonGlobe.com, 20 July 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The marigold orange, yellow and blue cellophane wrap is a stalwart — there have been only minor changes through the decades. — Washington Post, 10 May 2022 Delores is one of the most unsung hero moms who sacrifices and is a stalwart and shows up and does her job, but like, moms on a different level. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, 6 May 2022 In his second tenure with the Lakers, Bradley was expected to be a defensive stalwart. — Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2022 The United States needs its partners in isolating Iran, and MBS is a stalwart there. — Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2022 Capel's father was a stalwart of North Carolina basketball during his life, playing basketball at Fayetteville State and graduating from the school in 1977. — David Thompson, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2022 Young, in his 10th year of eligibility, was a stalwart for the 49ers for 14 seasons, joining as a rookie toward the end of the dynasty in 1994 and playing through darker times later in his career. — oregonlive, 10 Feb. 2022 In the early Noughties, Balfe was a runway stalwart, making appearances for Chanel, Givenchy, and Louis Vuitton. — Olivia Marks, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2022 Players to watch: Nelson-Ododa has been a stalwart of consistency, while Juhász dedicated herself to improving on the offensive end after a disappointing outing against Oregon. — Alexa Philippou, courant.com, 22 Jan. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stalwart.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.