1
as in athletic
marked by a well-developed musculature
Olympic runners tend to have very muscular legs
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in strong
having muscles capable of exerting great physical force
a muscular superhero who can easily lift a ton or more
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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
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4
as in rich
having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor)
a muscular red wine that goes especially well with beef
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of muscular
Perhaps unsurprisingly for a body building champion, Roya Karimi is physically incredibly strong, muscular and well toned.
—
Amina Kilpatrick, NBC news, 22 Dec. 2025
When Nanjiani returns to Bagel or his muscular physique later in the show, it’s not performed with a wink.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
According to the American Kennel Club, German shepherds are a large, agile, muscular breed known for their intelligence, loyalty and confident temperament.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
Tall, robust Holly with her thick auburn hair, her muscular body.
—Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muscular
Amina Kilpatrick, NBC news, 22 Dec. 2025
When Nanjiani returns to Bagel or his muscular physique later in the show, it’s not performed with a wink.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
According to the American Kennel Club, German shepherds are a large, agile, muscular breed known for their intelligence, loyalty and confident temperament.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
Tall, robust Holly with her thick auburn hair, her muscular body.
—Literary Hub, 25 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for muscular
Recent Examples of Synonyms for muscular
Adjective
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On sale in seven colorways, these relaxed, wide-leg pants have a warm cotton interior and a sleek, slightly shiny exterior that mimics retro athletic track pants.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
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The campus brings together a museum designed to tell the story of Obama’s life and presidency, a Chicago Public Library branch, performance space, athletic center, outdoor gardens, playgrounds, and a sledding hill.—
Taryn Shorr-Mckee,
Midwest Living,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Also at tight end, Jackson Verdugo, who had a strong freshman season, is due back, and FIU signed incoming freshmen Davis Brown and Ayden Passley.—
Walter Villa,
Miami Herald,
11 Jan. 2026
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Nicole says Hannah did get better and stronger — strong enough that Hannah's neurologist told her the whole story.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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That’s the kind of chance that last season, a more aggressive-looking Stolarz would have used his frame — and frankly, his big-game presence — to turn away with ease.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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The agency has also faced criticism for aggressive tactics used by ICE agents in executing the president’s immigration policy.—
Andy Rose 19 hr ago,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Layer warm materials and textures to make spaces feel richer and less stark.—
Ashlyn Needham,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
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Trump has repeatedly touted Venezuela’s rich oil supply as among the motivations for the January 2 military assault on the country and the capture of its leader, Nicolás Maduro, who has since been charged with drug trafficking and weapons possession.—
Meghan Bartels,
Scientific American,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Del Toro, perpetually attuned to the minutiae of process, turns the sinewy logistics of reanimation into a series of referendums on Victor’s humanity.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
28 Oct. 2025
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The photo of Chastain whipping off her jersey, shouting in triumph, her sinewy arms flexed, was immediately historic.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Indescribable, illogical, and oh-so powerful belief.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
12 Jan. 2026
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Hellyer however noted that for now Iran’s powerful security establishment remains intact.—
Mitchell McCluskey,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Started from seed, this type of sedum is a vigorous grower, forming a tidy mound with strong, flop-free stems.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Jan. 2026
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But a new study, published in Nature Communications in October, says vigorous activity is even more valuable than that.—
Greg Presto,
Outside,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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In December, hiring was robust in food services and drinking, health care and social assistance, while the retail sector shed jobs, the BLS said.—
Mary Cunningham,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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While the agency did agree to hold an public informational hearing, DEEP rejected the request for a more robust adjudicatory hearing, citing issues with the town and Save the Sound’s applications.—
John Moritz,
Hartford Courant,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Muscular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muscular. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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