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

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noun

stable

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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

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
As the verdict came down, ending what had been seen as one of South America’s most stable presidencies, a roar rose from the crowd packed into the plaza outside Congress. — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026 The three surviving officers were in stable condition at local hospitals, police said. — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
Among Vans’ stable of classics, the Half Cab is one of its relatively newer models. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 At Vox, Best of Luck joins a stable of popular podcasts including Today, Explained, The Gray Area, and America, Actually. — Vox Communications, Vox, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
Experience, leadership, someone that can stable (sic) the vote. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026 But in its fourth year, the Bahrain Turf Series — under the stewardship of Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa — has opened up an easy pathway for international horses to compete, especially from UK stables more accustomed to grass than dirt. — Camilla Wright, semafor.com, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stable
Adjective
  • Made of sturdy beech wood, rounded edges and a light hue soften the beverage cart’s overall look.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The Guardian’s April 2025 reporting describes the classic design as a roomy jacket made from sturdy cotton twill or moleskin, typically featuring three patch pockets and a simple collar.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Ellis lives on a fixed income, and her rent is just over $1,600 a month.
    — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Its four fixed radar arrays are designed to improve the ship’s ability to detect and track aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic missile threats.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s no telling how long these discounts will last, so be sure to find the one that fits your cleaning needs before prices return to normal.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The latest Santa Ana wind event moving through Southern California will peak Saturday, but higher-than-normal temperatures and elevated fire risk will remain through next week.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • But once school lets out, cars begin passing at a steady pace from every direction.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Ammann developed the machine in response to demand for quieter equipment that can work without direct exhaust emissions while maintaining the precision and steady movement needed for a consistent surface.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Previous hosts, including Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan, are major oil producers.
    — Khalil Hamra, Los Angeles Times, 11 Nov. 2026
  • His host woke to the sight of five empty wine bottles and some form of smoking apparatus, which looked mysteriously like a homemade bong.
    — Jay Glennie, HollywoodReporter, 10 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Tail Town works with Kitten Rescue Los Angeles to home adoptable cats.
    — Solvej Schou, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026
  • As a result, Rodriguez has an opportunity to home again tonight after doing so last night.
    — Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • Beckett also recorded strong growth, although it is owned by Collectors.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • That allows for absolute black levels and very strong contrast.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The former general reiterated on Tuesday that his goal was a government that all Israelis could trust, not one that represents only certain factions.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Competing calls for unity The former general, who campaigned as a no-nonsense straight shooter, reiterated on Tuesday that his goal was a government that all Israelis could trust, not one that represents only certain factions.
    — Melanie Lidman, Chicago Tribune, 10 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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