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
The data shows that the combination therapy helped adults with the disease maintain their walking distance over five years of continuous therapy and keep respiratory function relatively stable in the long term. — Anna Rodin, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026 Either way, California will be under the influence of this stable October heat wave through at least the 8th, and potentially longer. — Sean MacAday, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
While the Rams’ owner, Stan Kroenke, is adding MLB’s Los Angeles Angels to a stable of sports franchises that already includes the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, the Packers continue to operate in a time warp. — Mike Sando, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026 With an impressive cadre of young players, supported by a stable of respected veterans, the Sharks will likely be a competitive team this season, regardless of who their goalie is. — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 29 Aug. 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
  • Despite these headwinds, the labor market has proven sturdy so far this year.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But once assembly was complete the pit was very sturdy, and my wife and I were easily able to carry it between my porch and a crushed-stone section of my backyard that usually holds a firepit, trying it in both places.
    — Noah Kaufman, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Most trailers in this weight class include a topper tent for accommodations or a fixed bed inside a teardrop shell.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2026
  • For seniors with a fixed income, that extra cash is often spendable money that ends up back in the economy.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • After The Dick Van Dyke Show wrapped, Matthews returned to a normal childhood life and attended UCLA.
    — Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Vertical speeds during normal operations rarely exceed plus or minus 4,000 feet per minute, FlightRadar24 said.
    — Azhar Sukri, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That means taking bold swings, alongside crowd-pleasers, with a steady willingness to push boundaries.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Rabid bat detections can vary year-to-year, but Los Angeles County has seen a steady upward trend for more than a decade.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The series follows the Canadian team’s historic run to the World Cup final, where they were ultimately toppled by host country England, going down 33-13 in front of a sellout crowd of 82,000 at Twickenham Stadium in South West London.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The Crocodile hosts live music almost every night of the year in its 750-person venue.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 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
  • Mercury in Scorpio squares Mars in Leo, making opinions stronger, reactions quicker, and certain conversations easier to escalate than intended.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Fire officials had also failed to take advantage of satellite imagery after strong winds grounded their typical eyes in the sky, aircraft.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Many of the hotel's rooms interconnect, and children under 12 can stay and dine free in certain seasons (keep an eye on the latest offers).
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • An Iranian official source confirmed to Fox News Digital that Alaj and the Telegram chatbot were established as a new system through which certain individuals could report information about Iranians living abroad.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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