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
The city has stated that Randolph and other major encampments will eventually close, and Finke is concerned this is all happening without a plan to get people into stable housing. Conor Wight, CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026 Police said in a statement that the rear seat passenger had received treatment and was stable Saturday night. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
One group committed to owning a team includes Vinnie Viola, the Florida Panthers owner whose stable has won three Triple Crown races including the 2026 Kentucky Derby with Golden Tempo. Greg Cote july 26, Miami Herald, 26 July 2026 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
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
  • Sit toward the front edge of a sturdy chair, hold the sides for support, and lean back slightly while lifting one or both feet a few inches off the floor.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • One track, though, has stood out as an especially sturdy leader.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • However, the Migration follows rain and grass, not a fixed calendar, which is why expert planning is essential.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Millyard chose a single, fixed ratio, relying entirely on the engine's massive, low-end torque.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Villa go in as considerable underdogs — 7/2 to win in normal time and 2/1 to lift the trophy — and pulling it off would represent another big result in what has already been a landmark year for the club.
    Dean Jones, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • While Social Security is facing long-term financial challenges, including projections that the retirement trust fund could face a shortfall as soon as 2032, beneficiaries can still expect payments to follow the agency's normal schedule this month.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Fed opted to hold interest rates steady at its meeting last week, but central bankers appeared divided over the move.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Erotic thrillers, a genre which peaked in the 1980s and ‘90s, have also been making a slow but steady comeback.
    David Mack, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In Kansas, Missouri, Virginia and Washington state, voters are settling primaries in a host of races, including a key rematch between Democrats in a Missouri House contest.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The network isn’t even mustering up a defense for Jeanine Pirro, previously one of its most prominent pro-Trump hosts.
    Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 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
  • Indonesia’s Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency said August and September are expected to be the most critical months as dry vegetation and strong winds create favorable conditions for fires to spread rapidly.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • For someone who is dogmatic, or has a strong commitment to evangelism, this may not be satisfactory.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • As more skincare brands come to market, Kim says shoppers should be wary of the ones that place too much importance on the inclusion or omission of certain ingredients.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In both shows, romance takes a back seat as a minor subplot, proving that WOCA (an acronym for women of a certain age that Ride Or Die fully embraces) are interested in more than love stories and relationship triangles.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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