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

2 of 3

noun

stable

3 of 3

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
The child is in stable condition but sustained significant injuries, police said. Doug Myers, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026 While industry uncertainty still looms large, the growers hope these benefits, on top of a more stable almond market, will lead to returns. Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 23 Aug. 2026
Noun
During our foray, the field of approximately a dozen vehicles also featured a Lamborghini Huracán Evo, a Maserati MC20, and a stable of Prancing Horses that included the SF90, 488, 296 GTB, and 812 GTS. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026 In El Rosario, the trinkets and souvenirs, the tour-bus parking lots, and even the stable of horses for rent all speak to a symbiosis that has only recently come to be. Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 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
  • These sturdy and reliable machines are great for both knocking out homework and streaming Netflix, with a big 24-inch FHD monitor that boasts good brightness and wide viewing angles.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • However, the trade quickly unwound, with yields higher Thursday as the market digested the move as well as the longer-term structural problems facing the fixed income market.
    Jeff Cox,Sean Conlon,Hugh Leask, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
  • According to the report, residents of Pittsburgh spend a median of $1,775 each month on the 13 most common household bills, which is about 14% less than the national average and welcome news for anyone living on a fixed income.
    Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Some artists who do Bowl shows with the LA Phil or its sister symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, run through something close to their normal set and require whoever is assigned to do the orchestrations to follow suit.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
  • In the first two years alone, over 600 workers exceeded the normal safety limit of 50 mSv per year.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Confirm who pays what, write down the next step, and let clear expectations make home feel steadier.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Pohanka said service as a recurring revenue stream is key to keeping dealerships’ business steady even as the car business faces disruptions spanning from tariffs to supply chain issues.
    Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Ariana Madix has had a meteoric rise as a host — one that landed her an Emmy nomination this year.
    William Earl, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Those familiar with Radiolab, which Abumrad founded and co-hosts, will hear the similarities.
    Becca James, Vulture, 25 Aug. 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
  • The duties also apply to kraftliner, which is a strong paperboard, primarily used in the outer layer of cardboard boxes.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Love the Georgia peach down, but respecting the fidelity of partnership has never been one of her strong points.
    Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This study found an association between certain BMI categories and lower mortality.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • However, in recent years, the state's increased its controlling grip on certain aspects of expression, especially in regards to political figures with the passage of law in 2018 that bans criticism of the nation's heroes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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