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

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

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
Iowa City Police identified five victims in the shooting, with one victim in critical condition and the other four in stable condition. Brandon Hurley, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026 The refrigerator door is best reserved for stable, less-perishable items that can tolerate a little temperature variation. Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 19 Apr. 2026
Noun
There’s obviously an impressive stable of final Tribal Council losers to choose from. Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Apr. 2026 While Brosh, a veteran of the industry, now has 23 properties in his stable, his is no rinse-and-repeat operation. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
Designed by architect Isay Weinfeld, the sprawling equine complex features grass and sand tracks, show jumping, and polo facilities, marked trails across the estate, and stables for 200 horses. Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026 The real standout, however, is the equestrian center, which stables 12 horses and offers guests one-on-one or group lessons. Alisha Prakash, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stable
Adjective
  • These Bagsmart Clear Toiletry Bags keep everything visible and TSA-compliant, with a sturdy plastic construction that doesn’t feel flimsy or prone to tearing.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 18 Apr. 2026
  • Numerous designers, including Alessandro Michele and the late Vivienne Westwood, have credited the Queen as an inspiration, not least for the kind of sturdy, tweedy daywear shown in a section devoted to her off-duty garments.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The city says extending it to seniors could be a big help for older adults living on a fixed income.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
  • There is no fixed income threshold for hardship status.
    Deane Biermeier, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Calls to the ships’ operators outside normal working hours either weren’t answered or weren’t immediately returned.
    Julian Lee, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Sanoja has primarily played third base this season, with seven of his nine starts coming there, but his last two starts came in center field on Thursday (to give normal starter Jakob Marsee his first day off from the field) and left field on Friday.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The work has always required steady hands – something Parkinson's slowly took from him.
    Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Chronic stress triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, leading to a steady release of stress hormones like cortisol.
    Lindsay Curtis, Verywell Health, 17 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Chuck Lorre poses with 2026 Heart Gala host Jackie Tohn outside the event in Los Angeles on April 18.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The incident comes as Mexico prepares to be a host country for this summer’s World Cup soccer extravaganza.
    Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Multiple savings accounts can home this money, assuming savers don't want to try their luck investing in stocks instead.
    Matt Richardson, CBS News, 25 Feb. 2026
  • The Dickin Medal, which is often compared to the British Victoria Cross, is typically awarded to heroic horses, homing pigeons, and dogs.
    Anne Ewbank, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Snow fell on and off during the day in Clear Creek County's higher elevations, but at the time of the crash a quick burst of heavy accumulation and strong winds led to dangerously slick road conditions.
    Jesse Sarles, CBS News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Xi said China and Russia need to use closer and stronger strategic collaboration to defend the legitimate interests of both nations and safeguard the unity of Global South countries, the state broadcaster CCTV reported.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s part of the lip-smacking quality of it all — the idea that certain movie characters deserve to have their limbs bitten off.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Due to an increase in passenger volume, parking availability may be at or near capacity at certain times throughout the day.
    Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 11 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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