Definition of STALWARTS

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

Did You Know?

Adjective

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. In the 12th century, stalworth began to be used to describe strongly built people or animals (a meaning stalwart took on about two centuries later). 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 stælwierthe (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

But Sanders and other stalwart single-payer proponents see health care as fundamentally different from other commodities and believe the government should guarantee health coverage. — Dylan Scott, Vox, "Is employer-sponsored insurance really a good deal for workers?," 7 Feb. 2019 But Sanders and other stalwart single-payer proponents see health care as fundamentally different from other commodities and believe the government should guarantee health coverage. — Dylan Scott, Vox, "Is employer-sponsored insurance really a good deal for workers?," 7 Feb. 2019 But Sanders and other stalwart single-payer proponents see health care as fundamentally different from other commodities and believe the government should guarantee health coverage. — Dylan Scott, Vox, "Is employer-sponsored insurance really a good deal for workers?," 7 Feb. 2019 The move could result in the indictment of Mr. Netanyahu, one of President Trump’s most stalwart foreign allies and a key partner in his Middle East policy as the White House prepares to roll out a plan for peace between Israel and the Palestinians. — Dov Lieber, WSJ, "Netanyahu Under Pressure as Israeli Police Recommend Charges in Third Corruption Case," 2 Dec. 2018 Among Republicans, Paul has long been seen as one of the most stalwart champions of stricter privacy protections. — Li Zhou, Vox, "Rand Paul says he’s “honestly undecided” on Kavanaugh," 23 July 2018 The chairs are part of a contest put on by Design Within Reach, that stalwart purveyor of covetable modern furniture, and Champagne Pommery to encourage people to make the coolest chair possible out of champagne corks. — Lindsey Ramsey, House Beautiful, "Look At These Adorable Chairs Made Out Of Champagne Corks," 22 Dec. 2018 But Sanders and other stalwart single-payer proponents see health care as fundamentally different from other commodities and believe the government should guarantee health coverage. — Dylan Scott, Vox, "The Medicare-for-all paradox," 14 Dec. 2018 America will miss her devoted son, her stalwart champion, her elder statesman. — Fox News, "Trump orders flags flown at half-staff for John McCain," 28 Aug. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

And Trump, who took over the GOP by storm, continues to be viewed skeptically by many party stalwarts. — Washington Post, "While Trump wages trade war, Pence tries to ease GOP anxiety," 13 June 2019 Ranking: 21 | Best U.S. Open finish: T18, 2016 Presidents Cup stalwart from Australia has five top-10 finishes in majors, but none of those have come at a U.S. Open. — Daniel Rapaport, SI.com, "Ranking the Top 100 Golfers at the 2019 U.S. Open," 11 June 2019 One of the largest donations supporting Trump during the campaign was a $2 million super PAC contribution from a poultry magnate, and several industry stalwarts took positions with the Trump transition team or in the Agriculture Department. — Isaac Arnsdorf, ProPublica, "Chicken Farmers Thought Trump Was Going to Help Them. Then His Administration Did the Opposite.," 5 June 2019 Instead, an injury to star striker Neymar and a suspension of stalwart defender Thiago Silva, contributed to a 7-1 thumping at the hands of the eventual victors. — Motez Bishara, CNN, "World Cup: Brazil needs to avoid another historical upset for redemption," 10 June 2018 The stalwart defending from the 23-year-old Atletico Madrid center back has been key to the team’s two wins. — Washington Post, "Uruguay defender Gimenez ruled out of final group match," 24 June 2018 An Afghanistan-Iraq veteran who was the favorite of most national and local party stalwarts, Golden will now face incumbent Republican representative Bruce Poliquin in a key competitive race. — Ed Kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "8 Days After Primary, Maine Democrats Get Their Top Nominees," 21 June 2018 Apu is lovable in his familiarity: the stalwart, law-abiding proprietor of a 24-hour shop who, through his hard work and desire to succeed, enhances the neighborhood community. — Tunku Varadarajan, WSJ, "Leave Apu Alone—He’s a Great American," 12 Apr. 2018 Related stories from Kansas City Star Chiefs can flip dire cap situation with some prudence this spring Punter: Long-time stalwart Dustin Colquitt is an unrestricted free agent. — Terez A. Paylor, kansascity, "Here are the Chiefs’ five biggest needs heading into next season | The Kansas City Star," 9 Mar. 2018

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.