stalwart

1 of 2

adjective

stal·​wart ˈstȯl-wərt How to pronounce stalwart (audio)
: marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit
stalwart common sense
stalwartly adverb
stalwartness noun

stalwart

2 of 2

noun

1
: a stalwart person
2
: an unwavering partisan

Did you know?

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."

Choose the Right Synonym for stalwart

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

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
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.
Adjective
From its extensive Bluetooth range to app features like a multi-band EQ and the ability to wake the speaker from rest, the Boom 4 is a stalwart companion that shrugs off dust, weather, and even serious drops without missing a beat. Simon Hill, Wired News, 12 July 2025 Ken Paxton, a stalwart supporter of President Trump, is running in the 2026 GOP primary to unseat incumbent veteran Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who is considered more of an establishment conservative. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 10 July 2025
Noun
Raley, a stalwart for the Mets’ bullpen in 2023, underwent Tommy John surgery early last season after throwing only seven innings. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 19 July 2025 Anderson and Sam Waterston were the two Law & Order stalwarts who returned to help the show get back on its feet after a 10-year hiatus. Charna Flam, People.com, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for stalwart

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, alteration of stalworth, from Old English stǣlwierthe serviceable

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stalwart was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stalwart. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

stalwart

1 of 2 adjective
stal·​wart ˈstȯl-wərt How to pronounce stalwart (audio)
: marked by outstanding strength and vigor of mind, body, or spirit
has stalwart common sense
a stalwart team of rescuers
stalwartly adverb

stalwart

2 of 2 noun
1
: a stalwart person
2
: a loyal supporter (as in politics)

More from Merriam-Webster on stalwart

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