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as in strong
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion wear sturdy boots because we will be going over sharp rocks and uneven terrain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of sturdy are stalwart, stout, strong, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When might stalwart be a better fit than sturdy?

While in some cases nearly identical to sturdy, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When could stout be used to replace sturdy?

The meanings of stout and sturdy largely overlap; however, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When is strong a more appropriate choice than sturdy?

The words strong and sturdy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use tenacious instead of sturdy?

Although the words tenacious and sturdy have much in common, tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

In what contexts can tough take the place of sturdy?

The words tough and sturdy can be used in similar contexts, but 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 sturdy Curvaceous yet dominant lines showcase the vessel’s sturdy width, blunt hull, and an unpretentious attitude to exploring. Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025 Any veggie that's long and fairly sturdy when cut is fair game. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025 The Alchemist became known for his sample-heavy work, often mining disco, soul and R&B records from the 1970s and 1980s for snippets that became the foundations of his sturdy but atmospheric productions. Christine Werthman, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025 The good news is that the Avata 2's airframe uses a sturdy polycarbonate material that protects the parts most liable to break—the camera and propellers. PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sturdy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdy
Adjective
  • The terrain calls for sturdy footwear and SOREL has a range of hardy and waterproof boots, snow boots, and trainers.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Furnishings are intentionally sturdy and swaddled in luxe but hardy fabrics to withstand spills and sandy paws.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Reese wants to skip through the rebuilding process, but doing so has already put Chicago in a position in which building a stronger talent base is going to be much more difficult.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Speaking to the crowd before the march, Eve Devitt, an Idaho human rights activist, said that LGBTQ+ history is built on fighting for rights, which makes the community stronger.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These are available in five sizes, along with plenty of fun patterns, solid colors, and an all-black pack.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Nina Energy turns scraps into solid biofuels and biochar.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Marswalker has rugged wheels in each corner for gripping the steps, as well as a long antenna to sense angles and heights.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The two largest rams were lying down, seemingly enjoying their cuds and the panorama of Bear Canyon and the rugged San Andres Mountains that stretched beyond them.
    Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This thread count range is typically considered to be more breathable and soft, and anything above this can be made of a thinner yarn that’s less durable.
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The supersoft fiber also happens to be one of the warmest and most durable, so investing in these high-quality knits is the smartest purchase for a long-term investment.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Glamour, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet the firm punches above its weight in custody, consistently ranking third behind Coinbase and BitGo.
    Marie Poteriaieva, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Solawave’s LightBoost Wand Activating Serum, which, in its own right, is a powerhouse that takes advantage of growth factors and neuropeptides to make skin firmer and more elastic.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • A lot went wrong for the Chiefs on the evening, but perhaps their biggest issue was their typically stout defense being gashed for 394 yards, with Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert going 25-for-34 with 318 yards and three touchdowns.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The Buckeyes defense looks to be stout again after winning the national title last season.
    Erick Smith, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Although season ticket prices have continued to rise, there is a sense the club has acted sensibly around them and the goodwill generated between the fans and KSE has remained stable.
    Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
  • All of these efforts stemmed from the belief that democratic societies based on free markets would create politically stable and prosperous societies.
    Time, Time, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sturdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdy. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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