stable 1 of 3

Definition of stablenext
1
as in sturdy
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion the observation tower is stable enough to withstand the strongest winds without collapsing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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stable

2 of 3

noun

stable

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stable are durable, lasting, and permanent. While all these words mean "enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established," stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

When might durable be a better fit than stable?

The synonyms durable and stable are sometimes interchangeable, but durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

When is it sensible to use lasting instead of stable?

The words lasting and stable can be used in similar contexts, but lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

When would permanent be a good substitute for stable?

While the synonyms permanent and stable are close in meaning, permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

How does the adjective stable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stable are durable, lasting, and permanent. While all these words mean "enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established," stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

When might durable be a better fit than stable?

The synonyms durable and stable are sometimes interchangeable, but durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

When is it sensible to use lasting instead of stable?

The words lasting and stable can be used in similar contexts, but lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

When would permanent be a good substitute for stable?

While the synonyms permanent and stable are close in meaning, permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

How does the adjective stable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stable are durable, lasting, and permanent. While all these words mean "enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established," stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

When might durable be a better fit than stable?

The synonyms durable and stable are sometimes interchangeable, but durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

When is it sensible to use lasting instead of stable?

The words lasting and stable can be used in similar contexts, but lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

When would permanent be a good substitute for stable?

While the synonyms permanent and stable are close in meaning, permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

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 stable
Adjective
Higher election costs mean fewer resources for priorities like public safety, parks and youth and senior programming, and could also jeopardize efforts to keep tax rates stable. Mike Hernández, Sun Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026 His condition was listed as critical but stable, police have said. Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Mar. 2026
Noun
Future plans included another aisle of stalls and, after years of living in the stable’s one-bedroom apartment, building their dream home on the property. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026 Harper’s recent emergence has added another horse to the Celtics’ stable of young, high-energy wings. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
When one California castle is not enough (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times) Nowadays the Madonna Inn is a vast enterprise with restaurants, bakery, bar, stables next door and 110 guest rooms — each different, each with its own postcard in the inn’s three gift shops. Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 Encompassing just 10 residences, the homes were originally built in 1863 and 1864 as horse stables. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stable
Adjective
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Our Top Makeup Brush Sets When the brushes are thoughtfully designed—think soft, dense fibers and sturdy handles—blending tends to be easier, and your makeup looks that much more polished.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The city says extending it to seniors could be a big help for older adults living on a fixed income.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • There is no fixed income threshold for hardship status.
    Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The mall resumed operations as normal following the shooting, as police determined there was no threat to the general public.
    Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
  • Waymo vehicles also can take 30 minutes to wait for and twice as long as a normal ride.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Due to increasing activity from the Anthelion sporadic meteor source (a broad region in the night sky that produces a steady, low-level stream of meteors year round) and maybe improved reporting, this amount reflects both a high total count and frequency.
    Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Driving at a steady 55 mph can increase fuel economy by 6 to 8 mpg, the publication said in a report that offered tips to get the most out of a tank of gas.
    Matthew Daly, Chicago Tribune, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Bills have a host of capable receiving options like Shakir, tight end Dalton Kincaid and now wide receiver DJ Moore, who was acquired for a second round pick, but the team still has a need at the position.
    Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Broidy’s lawyers also alleged that Chalker had orchestrated the hacking of the Emirati Ambassador to Washington and had used spy tactics against critics who opposed Qatar’s role as host of the World Cup in 2022.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Multiple savings accounts can home this money, assuming savers don't want to try their luck investing in stocks instead.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The Dickin Medal, which is often compared to the British Victoria Cross, is typically awarded to heroic horses, homing pigeons, and dogs.
    Anne Ewbank, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The Congressional Progressive Caucus, which includes roughly 100 House Democrats, has formally opposed a reauthorization without changes to the program, marking its strongest stance yet against Section 702 and complicating the path forward for GOP leadership, according to the Hill.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Like a magic potion in a fairy tale, these liquid cleanses promised clear skin, strong nails, shiny hair, and gut health.
    Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Commandment, winner of four straight races, is certain to head on to Louisville and May 2 Kentucky Derby as one of the favorites.
    Clark Spencer, Miami Herald, 29 Mar. 2026
  • This is a common step because some research suggests certain antidepressant medications could blunt psilocybin’s effects.
    Natalia V. Osipova, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.

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