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
The victim was hospitalized in stable condition. Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 14 June 2026 The 2024 Current Obesity Reports review independently found no consistent signal of greater muscle wasting in people who cycled versus those who stayed at a stable higher weight. Allison Palmer updated June 13, Miami Herald, 13 June 2026
Noun
Breakker stepped up as a tag team champion in Paul’s place but the turmoil in the stable appeared to affect the outcome of the match. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026 Ronaldo, who has more than a billion social media followers, also has a deep stable of sponsors including Binance, Nike and Perplexity. Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 22 May 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, 13 June 2026
  • Seek shelter in a sturdy structure until the storm has passed.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Unaware Performer delivers, but within a fixed range.
    Mustafa Abdelmonem, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
  • That makes any potential threat to those payments particularly concerning, and that's especially true for retirees who are struggling to keep up with rising costs and debt obligations on a fixed income.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Now that the garden is complete aside from normal plant replacements, Sterman recognizes it as the expression of her own evolution and growth as a garden designer as well as changing views on waterwise gardening.
    Nicole Sours Larson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026
  • The West Coast is also bracing for rising temperatures, with highs climbing to 10 to 25 degrees above normal this weekend.
    Christine Rapp, NBC news, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Leo July 23 – August 22 Morning feels steady, afternoon asks for courage.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 12 June 2026
  • When passengers see one person waiting, others assume there will be a wait and join in turning a brief lull into a steady backup.
    Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • The Ranch teamed up with tour operator professionals and naturalist guides to host day trips to the Park (which is really, the safest and most informative way to travel through Yellowstone’s vastness).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 June 2026
  • Leaving the current occupant of the White House unnamed, Biden reflected on his own tenure and took a few swipes at the ex-Apprentice host’s record since returning to the White House from his successor and predecessor.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 15 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
  • But despite a strong sporting heritage, Panama struggled to translate their success to the football pitch.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • Most other Sacramento-area incumbents cruised to strong leads in their legislative races.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Ticket Holders are only permitted to bring certain types of bags into stadiums.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 14 June 2026
  • Drone operations are prohibited within a 1-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level at certain fan events, including at the LA Memorial Coliseum in June, according to FAA’s news release about the restrictions.
    Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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