Synonyms of muscular

muscular

adjective

ˈmə-skyə-lər 

1

as in athletic

marked by a well-developed musculature

Olympic runners tend to have very muscular legs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• athletic
• sinewy
• brawny
• powerful
• strong
• strapping
• sturdy
• sculpted
• robust
• wiry
• beefy
• burly
• stout
• husky
• mighty
• hulking
• hefty
• herculean
• able-bodied
• muscle-bound
• rugged
• stalwart

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• skinny
• scrawny
• weak
• feeble
• fragile
• delicate
• frail
• slender
• slight
• light
• thin
• wimpy
• debilitated
• lightweight
• weakened
• lean
• enfeebled
• weakly
• effete
• nonathletic
• slim
• willowy
• svelte
• gaunt
• emaciated
• enervated
• spare
• lank
• sylphlike
• rawboned
• scraggy

2

as in strong

having muscles capable of exerting great physical force

a muscular superhero who can easily lift a ton or more

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strong
• powerful
• rugged
• stout
• mighty
• sinewy
• athletic
• brawny
• masculine
• sturdy
• stalwart
• potent
• tough
• energetic
• forceful
• healthy
• trim
• beefy
• vigorous
• virile
• burly
• hard
• husky
• forcible
• fit
• robust
• sound
• strapping
• strengthened
• puissant
• lusty
• able-bodied
• vitalized
• energized
• hale
• hearty
• red-blooded
• toughened
• invigorated
• inured

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weak
• feeble
• frail
• delicate
• wimpy
• disabled
• paralyzed
• weakling
• incapacitated
• small
• impotent
• powerless
• slight
• puny
• unhealthy
• unfit
• unathletic

3

as in aggressive

marked by or uttered with forcefulness

a presidential speech that promises to be a muscular enunciation of the nation's foreign policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• aggressive
• vigorous
• emphatic
• violent
• dynamic
• energetic
• forceful
• assertive
• strenuous
• insistent
• vehement
• striking
• compelling
• clear
• full-blooded
• pointed
• resounding
• marked
• noticeable
• conspicuous
• decided
• categorical
• unequivocal
• plain
• unambiguous
• absolute
• arresting
• impelling

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mild
• weak
• unemphatic
• nonassertive
• ambiguous
• guarded
• equivocal
• hesitant
• nonemphatic
• understated
• uncompelling
• wishy-washy
• halting

4

as in rich

having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor)

a muscular red wine that goes especially well with beef

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rich
• strong
• robust
• potent
• big
• concentrated
• lusty
• full-bodied
• plush
• heady
• full
• heavy
• unmixed
• undiluted
• straight
• fortified
• high-octane
• enriched
• high-test

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• thin
• weak
• mild
• light
• delicate
• weakened
• thinned
• watery
• dilute
• diluted
• watered-down

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of muscular

The study found that cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and balance and agility all had a connection to longevity. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Rather than trying to hold in your stomach constantly and squeeze your abs harder, try to match your muscular engagement to the task. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

Kratos is known for his incredibly muscular physique in the games, and Bautista has been in remarkable shape throughout his career. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026

Her son Jesse’s newborn screening had come back positive for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder that causes certain muscles to become weak and atrophy. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 2 Aug. 2026