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
Changes in color, cloudiness, or unusual appearance can be signs the medication may not be stable anymore. Judy Koutsky, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026 Two Connecticut residents are in critical but stable condition following a motorcycle crash in Torrington on Saturday night, according to the Torrington Police Department. Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026
Noun
Disney initially wanted to buy Sky but Comcast jumped into the fray, driving up the price for the Fox stable. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026 The problems for grid operators are far more complex, but Torus offers a full-stack solution that integrates hardware, software, cybersecurity, monitoring, and maintenance, while providing flexible capacity to keep the grid stable. Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 3 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
  • The outdoorsy traveler hiking the gorges in Crete or the trails in Andros should bring a pair of sturdy shoes, a hat for sun protection, and tons of SPF.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 27 July 2026
  • December 22 – January 19 A home or family issue may need a sturdier foundation, not another temporary fix.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
Adjective
  • Having lived and worked across multiple countries throughout his career, Midi Z no longer defines home as a fixed place.
    Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 25 July 2026
  • Investment options Stocks, equities, ETFs, mutual funds, fixed income, alternative investments like private equity and hedge funds.
    Dan Avery, CNBC, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • That matters because if the public and investors start to doubt inflation will get back to normal, workers would likely demand major wage hikes and companies would preemptively raise prices.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • There was an intervention with a client to navigate a relationship dynamic, and a lifestyle decision was outside of my normal coaching repertoire.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • The investment should be steady, the return measurable and the bar for funding low.
    Farooque Munshi, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Orcas have been observed ramming whale sharks as another orca held the prey steady.
    Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • This year’s celebration also follows Kansas City’s successful run as a host city for the FIFA World Cup.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
  • But the bump in revenue mostly came from hosts raising their rates.
    Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Verb
  • The best travel this month is active, spontaneous, and close enough to home that logistics don't get in the way of the fun.
    Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 May 2026
  • The creation of such a time-capsule milieu is Smith’s longtime directorial strength of course, even if occasionally at the expense of homing in an audience on a specific moment.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This is a strong day to pitch, perform, flirt, draft, or share something that feels alive.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • While heavy foreign equity selling earlier this year weighed on the won, Goldman said those outflows have slowed, allowing the currency's strong external fundamentals to reassert themselves.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • Trump on Monday announced plans to impose a 50% tariff on certain Canadian imports, citing what officials called trade discrimination against American companies in the dairy, auto and alcohol industries.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026
  • Now, after mounting the American League’s second-best record since June 1, the picture is less certain.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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