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

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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
There are far too few children born each year to maintain a stable population. Brian Mann, NPR, 27 June 2026 According to Boisvert, the teenager was suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was listed in stable condition. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026
Noun
Blue Origin’s New Glenn, the most powerful vehicle in Amazon’s stable of rockets, was supposed to make its first launch for the Amazon Leo network earlier this month. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026 New brands in Mercedes’ sponsor stable in 2026 include Microsoft, Nu and Zuma. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 8 June 2026
Verb
Experience, leadership, someone that can stable (sic) the vote. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026 Top British trainer George Baker stables his horses at home at Epsom Downs, practically in sight of the finish line of the 250-year-old Derby, probably still the most prestigious, if not lucrative race in the world. Camilla Wright, semafor.com, 17 Feb. 2026 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, 27 June 2026
  • While linen and silk are light and airy, some occasions call for a sturdier yet equally breathable option.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Give Yourself Time To Become A Leader Remember that the transformation from founder to leader is an ongoing process, not a fixed state.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • After nearly a decade of a life spent entirely on the road with no fixed home address, travel writer Katie Lockhart has finally put down roots—in the remote Faroe Islands.
    Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Shah adds that many women feel their best when ferritin levels are at least between 40 and 70 ng/ml for optimal energy and hair health, even if lab ranges suggest lower levels are ‘normal’.
    Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 30 June 2026
  • People are being asked to have their trash and recycling at the curb at least one hour prior to their normal pickup time.
    Mike Darnay, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The parents of a 7-year-old Michigan boy whose weight ballooned to 255 pounds due to a steady diet of chips, French fries and apple juice are accused of killing their son.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • What steady choice builds real trust at work?
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • Another nostalgic element of the performance saw former host Tom Bergeron make his return to the ballroom.
    McKinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 22 June 2026
  • The event included music, poetry readings, storytelling and entertainment as well as a host of activities and games including Bingo, a talent show, a cake walk, a three-on-three basketball tournament and a variety of vendors.
    David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 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 pilot was flying a grid pattern, homing on our signals.
    Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Projections varied in the weeks leading up to the draft with no real consensus among draft analysts, but in the last 24 hours there were strong indications the Clippers would choose Wagler and the Nets would take Brown.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
  • Your desire for solitude and introspection is strong during today’s Scorpio moon.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The eligibility for the program is broad, but certain patients will not qualify.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 28 June 2026
  • Martinez said the land should have never been sold to private developers because it’s included in the California State Lands Commission’s tidelands trust, which says certain land near the ocean must be available for public enjoyment.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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