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as in valiant
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament stout souls who boldly ventured forward, not knowing what kinds of danger they faced

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word stout different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stout are stalwart, strong, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When can stalwart be used instead of stout?

While the synonyms stalwart and stout are close in meaning, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

Where would strong be a reasonable alternative to stout?

In some situations, the words strong and stout are roughly equivalent. However, strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms
the defense has a strong case

When would sturdy be a good substitute for stout?

The words sturdy and stout can be used in similar contexts, but sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When might tenacious be a better fit than stout?

The words tenacious and stout are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

When is tough a more appropriate choice than stout?

The meanings of tough and stout largely overlap; however, tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

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 stout Their defense is anchored by a stout front that leads the league in rush defense, allowing just 80.9 rushing yards per game. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025 Unlike last year’s 40-38 thriller, both teams struggled to break into the end zone, with the pouring rain adding an additional challenge beyond the stout defensive play. Marcello Rossetti, Boston Herald, 14 June 2025 They were set back from the river's edge, elevated on stout, concrete foundations, with wide openings underneath – flood vents – meant to let flood waters flow through. Laura Sullivan, NPR, 8 June 2025 The fate of this year’s NBA title might revolve around one end of the court and whether Indiana can break down a stout OKC. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
Adjective
  • The Gritti’s dock-manager to Grazer’s left, foreground right in the shot, may be suspicious that his sturdy right elbow, offered for support during that parlous little leap from land to sea, is being roundly ignored.
    Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until this storm passes.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • Small and stocky birds perch, hunched over, on the treetops and branches of Lake Okeechobee on the edge of Florida’s swampy Everglades for the better part of winter.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
  • By contrast, the large but not gigantic great white is fairly stocky.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Still, Jurassic World Rebirth makes a valiant effort to put its own terrifying spin on the source material.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 3 July 2025
  • Despite his valiant efforts, however, Gi-hun doesn’t make it out of this story alive.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Overall, mobility suffers and injury risk increases as your body reacts to increasing core instability by creating protective tension and muscular compensations — often straining the lower back.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • Urine travels from the kidneys through muscular tubes called ureters to the bladder.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • Business owners already understand the importance of creating a solid business plan from the get-go.
    Hanneke Antonelli, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • But the state’s interdependence on the federal government — an economic boost in most years — leaves its economy on less solid footing as federal budget cuts loom.
    Scott Cohn, CNBC, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • For a hardy perennial that grows in areas where many plants fail, plant hellebores.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Exceptionally hardy, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, bearded irises are one of the easiest perennials to grow in cold-weather regions.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • Remember, most healthy plant roots should be plump and white in color.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025
  • Are your tomato vines covered in plump green fruits that just won't turn red?
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Just in time for Mercury retrograde to begin on July 18, the messenger planet will backspin through your second house of self-worth and value systems, encouraging you to speak up and be more courageous and authentic about your heart’s desires.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 July 2025
  • Be courageous and walk up to people who seem interesting.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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