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
This contradicts a previous report of a transition to the BC8 phase, which density functional theory predicts to be the thermodynamically stable phase of carbon above pressures around 1 TPa. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026 That added thermal control is especially important for larger ABS, ASA, nylon, and carbon-fiber prints, where stable chamber temperatures help reduce warping, shrinkage, and layer separation across the Max 4’s nearly 400mm build volume. Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2026
Noun
The group owns a range of retailers — from Sports Direct and Flannels to Gieves & Hawkes on Savile Row — and recently offered to add Boss to the stable. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 28 July 2026 One group committed to owning a team includes Vinnie Viola, the Florida Panthers owner whose stable has won three Triple Crown races including the 2026 Kentucky Derby with Golden Tempo. Greg Cote july 26, Miami Herald, 26 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
  • 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
  • Stidham with a sturdy opening act There may not have been another Broncos player who was more eager to get on the field Friday night than Stidham.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • At Lanternfish, ThayerMahan deployed both fixed and mobile sensing systems.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Its portfolio spans equities, fixed income, real estate, and renewable infrastructure, all outside Norway.
    Heidi Taksdal Skjeseth, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The sensor returned to normal after Menon doffed the suit, but NASA took some extra time to make sure there was no serious issue.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Restrictive eating and other disordered eating behaviors can start to feel very normal when your whole algorithm is feeding you back-to-back tips on how to shrink yourself.
    Miranda Roberts, The Conversation, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Oil prices were holding steady after slipping in recent days.
    ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Despite the ongoing component crisis, Google credits its in-house chip manufacturing for keeping prices steady and maintaining control over the hardware.
    Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The host of the soccer World Cup automatically qualifies, and Olympic host countries automatically get spots in every event.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Economists say events such as the Olympics may leave a larger economic footprint when host cities build transportation systems, venues or other infrastructure that residents continue using after the event ends.
    Kenny Choi, CBS News, 19 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
  • Reese missed badly on the layup attempt, but her strong play sparked an Atlanta Dream rally before halftime.
    Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Historically, the strongest predictor of a recruiting boom has been a weak economy.
    Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That tariff rate was later reduced to 15% when the two sides agreed on a trade deal, but uncertainty remains about the stability of that agreement and how imports of certain European goods, such as steel, will be taxed by Washington.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The sheriffs said Scott reiterated CBP was still not building a steel bollard wall in the park but said vehicle barriers may remain part of the plan in certain locations.
    Ashley Killough, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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