stable 1 of 3

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

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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
Turnout remains low Still ― even with an uptick, most Detroiters are still sitting municipal elections out, with fewer than 1 in 4 voters casting ballots in one of the city’s most important elections, many of them in the city’s most stable and prosperous neighborhoods. Nancy Kaffer, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025 Smart, stable policies that shorten permitting timelines and foster collaboration among utilities, developers, and manufacturers will help America scale up faster. Shilpan Amin, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
The four-story building had last been a garage, but it was built in 1907 as a stable for horses. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 21 Oct. 2025 Following the departure of Robin Weigert's Teddi following season 1, that leaves only Hartley and Fiona Rene, who plays attorney Reenie Greene, from Colter's original stable. Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
When one California castle is not enough (Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times) Nowadays the Madonna Inn is a vast enterprise with restaurants, bakery, bar, stables next door and 110 guest rooms — each different, each with its own postcard in the inn’s three gift shops. Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025 Encompassing just 10 residences, the homes were originally built in 1863 and 1864 as horse stables. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stable
Adjective
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2025
  • The shearling is still fluffy, and the soles are sturdy.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Its portfolio comprises a mix of equities, fixed income, renewable energy infrastructure and real estate.
    Hugh Leask,Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Afkhami recommends Western European countries where universal education and health care make these affordability goals possible, especially for those on a fixed income.
    Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Delays start to increase On Day 31 of the 2019 shutdown, 10% of TSA workers called in sick - triple the normal absence rate.
    Doyinsola Oladipo, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Even though there were rumors about layoffs the day before, everything had seemed relatively normal.
    Lea Chen, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • China’s most powerful Communist leader in decades has built a reputation reinforced by state media during his 12-year rule as a serious and steady hand.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Cuomo’s long resume and nostalgic campaign has kept his support steady despite an embarrassing primary defeat by Mamdani.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Designed by Oscar Niemeyer, who envisioned the city, Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil hosts art exhibitions, international movies, and other events.
    Greyson Ferguson, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The cast and reunion host Tan France continued to frame Stause’s use of social media as beyond the pale.
    Judy Berman, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Make the transition from school to home smoother with the help of 'CoComelon' nursery rhymes.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Cabinet meets in ‘submarine’ Closer to home the completion of the plant is another win for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his defense minister.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Smith said Thursday in a news release that Stubblefield leaves behind a legacy of strong, principled leadership.
    Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Online, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Toklas went on to fiercely uphold the author’s legacy, honoring Stein’s apparent desire to be understood while at the same time respecting her equally strong wish to remain elusive.
    Daphne Merkin, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Even over-the-counter basics, like children’s Tylenol or chewable Pepto-Bismol, can be surprisingly hard to find abroad, especially in countries where pharmacies stock different formulations or ban certain medications altogether.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Combs is slated to be released on May 8, 2028, but could be released earlier for good behavior or completing certain programs in prison.
    Adam Reiss, NBC news, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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