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
For any multicellular organism, the various cell types must be reliably generated and stable. — Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 However, the meeting summary did not show when the hike would occur – only that a stable labor market and persistently higher prices would likely lead to a second hike this year. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
Whether Nike can bring back that ‘just do it’ energy will decipher its future and the caliber of athletes in its stable. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026 But in 1981, it was won by a local - Shergar, born in a nearby stable. — Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 20 Sep. 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
  • The play, like a sturdy classic that Sheldon might love, runs over two hours with an intermission, not without dragging.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Flavors of plum, dark chocolate, and blueberry are supported by sturdy, yet silky tannins and the finish goes on for what seems like days.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 9 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
  • The prototype was tested on one construction worker during normal activities, including movement, breaks, drinking water and eating.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In a normal year, most MLB teams would already be looking toward next year at this point in the season, as only a few teams remain alive.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • With each new season, the series has expanded its audience base across both broadcast and streaming platforms, and this popularity has also translated into steady DVD sales.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Optimism among managers and above held steady at 59%, and 80% reported positive financial returns from AI, though only 28% called those returns strongly positive.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Heavy sediment plumes might wipe out host bacteria, halting essential nutrient cycles that sustain the broader ocean.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Gillis was fired from SNL in 2019 for racist and homophobic comments, but has been invited back to host three times since.
    — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 13 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
  • All manner of contemporary art is shown here, with a collection over 200,000 pieces strong, ranging from Diane Arbus and Cindy Sherman photographs to paintings from Francis Bacon and Sol LeWitt sculptures.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than a sudden surge, the new estimate shows the population has always been strong, thriving, and secure.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Los Angeles officials began discussing a ban after the city of Rialto became the first to restrict certain sales of nitrous oxide in 2017.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Washington’s export bans restrict their access to the best AI chips, like certain models from Nvidia and AMD, while Beijing has restricted imports of some less powerful options.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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