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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

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 study confirmed that the catalyst remains stable and functional over ten production cycles. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 May 2026 These systems charge when electricity is cheap and feed power back during peak hours, which cuts reliance on the most expensive generation and keeps prices more stable. Tom Von Essen, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026
Noun
Less than two years later, the couple announced their split from the royal family, but interest in them remained high as mostly negative headlines from Rupert Murdoch’s UK tabloids – longtime foes of Prince Harry – carried over into News Corp’s vast stable of Australian mastheads. Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 17 Apr. 2026 Hikers at this standout Nebraska state park can roam more than 60 miles of trails, but many people bring horses or book rides through the on-site stable. Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Once listed for $22.9 million, the estate has polo fields, equestrian stables with 13 stalls, and no less than 700 feet of private Lake Michigan beach access. Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for stable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stable
Adjective
  • The 28-meter (92-foot) tall maypole was lifted horizontally on wooden carts and pulled into the village by two sturdy horses from the local beer brewery.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 May 2026
  • These knives also feature a sturdy spine for extra heft and durability.
    Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Even if those issues could be addressed, the tax base would not remain fixed.
    Martha E. Stark, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Moments of humor sit alongside lamentation and ritual intensity, underscoring the exhibition’s refusal of a single, fixed reading.
    George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a Marshalls on the Strip, a flashy glassy Marshalls being scaled by King Kong–like blinking M&M’s, but this was a normal strip-mall Marshalls.
    Olivia Kan-Sperling, Artforum, 2 May 2026
  • Temperatures will return closer to 'normal' beginning on Sunday afternoon, with highs near 60 degrees.
    Ron Smiley, CBS News, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • Define one next step and follow through so progress continues in a steady, reliable way.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
  • From feeding chickens at a Harlem farm to cracking jokes about the Boston Tea Party during the White House state dinner, the monarch, alongside his wife Queen Camilla, delivered a steady stream of viral moments that showed a lighter, more personal side of the royals.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Fellow livestream host La La Anthony, a bronze goddess in a Wiederhoeft gown dripping with jewels, channeled her inner Jessica Rabbit with red hair.
    Anika Reed, USA Today, 5 May 2026
  • In an interview with Vogue livestream host Lala Anthony, Anna Wintour said the Met Gala helps bolster the economic health of New York City.
    Dalila Muata, NBC news, 5 May 2026
Verb
  • 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
  • But in recent years, researchers have homed in specifically on behaviors that indicate compulsive use of social media.
    Carmel Wroth, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Jessica Chmielewski, Colleen Gartlan and Ella Riordan led a strong defensive effort in front of Noone.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Set one clear boundary today and confirm expectations so your commitments stay strong and manageable.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Regulations require certain size hallways, for example, and heavy robotic equipment may need extra floor support and special elevators.
    Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 2 May 2026
  • Recent polling suggests that roughly 30% of young Americans hold the view that political violence can be justified in certain circumstances.
    Andrew Cuomo, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on stable

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster