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
Authorities said Sunday that two of the injured were treated at a hospital and released, three were listed as stable, and two were in critical condition. ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 The pilot safely ejected and is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
Though the original stable in Washington Park had since burnt down, Murdock resolved to create his own home base for horseback riding and keep the tradition alive in the city—especially for other kids. Sarah Enelow-Snyder, Midwest Living, 19 July 2026 Fernando Alonso, for example, runs a driver management stable called A14 Management. Alex Kalinauckas, New York Times, 17 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
  • All of these are captured using his Nikon Z8 and 100-400mm lens, usually set on a sturdy tripod with a fluid head.
    Patrick Connolly Orlando Sentinel, Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Getty’s 5%-plus dividend accounts for less than 80% of FFO estimates, and it’s backed by sturdy tenants with good credit.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • It is earned in increments, and a fixed level of autonomy ignores that completely.
    Ravi Palwe, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • On the first Thursday over 100,000 fans visited a complex which has around half that many fixed seats.
    James Hansen, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • This figure has already exceeded the European Commission's estimate for annual wildfire losses across the entire European Union in a normal year.
    , CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Since military prototypes often undergo multiple design revisions, such modifications are considered a normal part of the aircraft development process.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The moment reflected the steady progress of Mahomes from season-ending knee surgery.
    Vahe Gregorian July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • Despite the Federal Open Market Committee holding interest rates steady in July, markets now anticipate a September hike is more probable.
    Simon Moore, Forbes.com, 30 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
  • As a result, Rodriguez has an opportunity to home again tonight after doing so last night.
    Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Sustained high performance by firms that treat customer value as primary remains the strongest empirical rebuttal.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Second baseman Amira Hondras, coming off a strong women’s baseball World Cup debut last week, tied the game in the at-bat prior with a single up the middle to set up Villareal’s heroics.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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