Definition of stoutnext
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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 Faulk should be more stout against the run than Robinson, but the drop in pass production is worrisome — the plunge in sacks from seven in 2024 to two last season and tackles for loss for 11 to five. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Mar. 2026 Reinforcing a stout defensive unit, center back Aaron Long, who underwent knee surgery last July, is likely to be reintegrated into team training by the end of the month. Josh Gross, Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026 All have the stout beak that gives the bird its name. Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026 The resulting reputation for stout self-sufficiency is captured in the term sisu, meaning grit or resilience. Liam Denning, Bloomberg, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
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, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The inner ball is made from sturdy solid styrofoam.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are larger and stockier animals that weigh in at around 14 pounds and measure about 25 inches long.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Police determined that the suspect, described as a Black man with a stocky build, fled the scene going southbound on York Road in a white BMW.
    CBS News, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Until the lava of the bird’s stomach melts her valiant resins, dissolves her nomadic strength, and transforms her into a viscous secretion.
    María Ospina, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Jaden McDaniels, who had 25 points and valiant defense on Rockets star Kevin Durant all night, started hobbling down the stretch of the fourth quarter and had to be pulled.
    CBS News, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Then came Changbin’s muscular rap.
    Megan Frampton, Variety, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Industrial exoskeletons, wearable machines that enhance human strength, are revolutionizing labor-intensive jobs by reducing muscular strain and increasing workers’ endurance.
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Democrats have historically struggled to gain solid footing in Utah, where about half the population belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Broadway gave a warm welcome to a batch of spring arrivals last week, with newcomers The Lost Boys, The Rocky Horror Show, Beaches, Fallen Angels and Titaníque beginning previews to more-than-solid audiences.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • At least for now, Bath’s example illustrates the possibilities in terms of both promise and avenues for development—by emulating nature (selecting hardy strains of Bacillus) and pharmaceutical engineering (capsule technology), civil engineers are rethinking concrete from the inside out.
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The hardy beans are just some of the hundreds of seed varieties preserved at Native Seeds/SEARCH, whose gardens are continuously planted, even in the middle of the summer.
    John Leos, AZCentral.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • From having the viscous juices of decomposed leaves that kept her plump leak through a tear in her side, as happened to a few of her siblings.
    María Ospina, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Moustache joined my plump tortoiseshell Toffee, the progeny of frisky barn cats, an elderly rabbit rescued from neglect, and my best friend Bacon, a good dog adopted from Lifeline Puppy Rescue years before.
    Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Help keep the center courageous.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Mahajan remains contagiously courageous and (narratively) humble.
    Sibani Ram, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

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