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
Medics on the scene determined that neither victim’s injuries were life-threatening, and both were transported to the hospital in stable condition. Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026 Mark was rushed to the hospital where he was listed in stable condition. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2026
Noun
Screenshots shared with The Charlotte Observer by Moore show that Bogan repeatedly messaged Reform Stables’ business associates or fellow event organizers with animal abuse allegations against the stable and Moore, and insulted him online. Amber Gaudet updated August 21, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2026 Its stable also includes notable franchises like Power, Hunger Games, John Wick and Saw. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 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
  • Neither Jović nor Eala has a sturdy serve, as is common among players their age, so quick points were few and far between.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Its full aluminum build is sturdy and lightweight enough to hold for a long time, and battery life is solid for how bright the screen is, clocking in at over six hours on a single charge in our testing.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Because living expenses form a critical part of retirement planning, the study operated under the baseline assumption that retirees live on a fixed income.
    Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The precise spectacle changes daily because balloons travel with the wind rather than following a fixed route.
    Scott Campbell, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • You literally get paid time to give back during normal work hours.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Sep. 2026
  • The catastrophe left Miami’s airport operating with just two of its normal four runways on a busy Labor Day and raised questions about whether the facility needs better equipment to prevent an overshooting aircraft from leaving airport property.
    Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • American gasoline prices have risen about 38 percent over the course of the war, but the country’s economic growth rate remains steady.
    JAMES F. JEFFREY, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026
  • In recent years, Steinem had expanded her community in New York, hosting a steady stream of gatherings of women in her living room.
    Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • In another debut for the competition, Cesc Fabregas’ Como host RB Leipzig on Thursday, following a strong start to the season with seven points from three Serie A matches.
    Leon Imber, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The pair share trade in many of the same sectors, including energy, vehicles, heavy machinery, aircraft, pharmaceuticals, gems and jewelry, furniture, clothing and a host of foods and drinks.
    Jenni Reid,Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 8 Sep. 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
  • The latest forecast predicts the center will pass roughly 115 to 150 miles west of Kauai, close enough that any additional eastward shifts in the track could bring stronger winds and greater impacts, particularly to Kauai, the hurricane center said.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Design delivers low noise and vibration levels The new Elegance Pod is being developed with a strong focus on total system efficiency.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Albion, newly relegated from the Premier League and promotion favourites, were certain to come to town and win this local derby on the opening day.
    Amitai Winehouse, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • People with thyroid disease, kidney, liver or heart problems, or those taking NSAIDs, opiate pain medications or certain antidepressants can actually take in too much water.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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