Definition of stalwartnext
1
as in valiant
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament the stalwart soldiers in the army of Alexander the Great, who willingly followed him to the ends of the known world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

stalwart

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stalwart different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stalwart are stout, strong, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When is it sensible to use stout instead of stalwart?

The meanings of stout and stalwart largely overlap; however, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

Where would strong be a reasonable alternative to stalwart?

The synonyms strong and stalwart are sometimes interchangeable, but strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms
the defense has a strong case

In what contexts can sturdy take the place of stalwart?

While the synonyms sturdy and stalwart are close in meaning, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When can tenacious be used instead of stalwart?

The words tenacious and stalwart can be used in similar contexts, but tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

When is tough a more appropriate choice than stalwart?

In some situations, the words tough and stalwart are roughly equivalent. However, tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

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 stalwart
Adjective
Shot quickly by stalwart director Jeff Tremaine this spring, half of it is a clip reel of past hits, like the time fan favorite Steve-O slingshotted into the sky in a port-a-potty. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 New tax rules instituted last year have led many of the ultra-wealthy to leave London; many top collectors appear to have chosen Art Basel Paris over recent editions of Frieze London; and, to top it off, stalwart gallery Stephen Friedman closed and entered insolvency proceedings earlier this year. George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 10 June 2026
Noun
Francis Mauigoa was the stalwart on UM’s offensive line last year. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026 Their intelligent sportswear won awards, acclaim, and even a stint as creative directors for another Big Apple stalwart, DKNY. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • Tunisia put up a valiant effort despite the nonstop Dutch offensive.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • And if the heat doesn’t get to you first, the humidity is sure to make a valiant attempt.
    Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • After a strong start to the tournament, the reigning champions teetered on the brink of elimination throughout the knockout stage, trailing Egypt and England until the closing stages, needing extra time to overcome Cape Verde and Switzerland.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • The incoming prime minister grew up in the northwest of England, a part of the country where the Catholic Church has traditionally had a strong presence, and his outlook has been shaped by Catholic teaching.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Made from rust-resistant, double-layered aluminum, the table feels light enough to move around, but also sturdy enough not to blow over in a storm.
    Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
  • Odysseus also prided himself on being the only person able to string his sturdy bow.
    Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026
Noun
  • The California State Fair and Embarc’s team are honoring the activists who were on the front line of the fight throughout the festival’s run this year.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2026
  • Cuban activist Salomé García met Otero Alcántara in Havana in 2012 through their work as artists.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • Holding them together is their courageous mother, Olga, who keeps them looking ahead, even when their future is uncertain.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 16 July 2026
  • Some of them have chosen to stay quiet for understandable reasons, but others have made courageous efforts over the course of many years to tell these stories.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 July 2026
Adjective
  • The pressures to look a certain way — hypermasculine, muscular and stylish, for example, among certain subsets of gay men, can be just as harsh and punishing.
    Stephanie Fairyington, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • Every drop hits like a quake, and each muscular beat compels you to shake your ass.
    Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Club legends Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Phil Thompson and Tash Dowie will be on the trip to attend various meet-and-greet events with sponsors and supporters.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Party leaders, Wangchuk’s wife and supporters accuse authorities of ‘abducting’ him to stifle a growing protest movement, as police flood main protest with barricades and paramilitary forces.
    Aijaz Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
Adjective
  • Some then created stories of brave soldiers killing those imaginary dragons.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 15 July 2026
  • Of course, this brave new cyberlibrary drew pushback, as critics worried that cell phone novels would spell the end of Japanese literature.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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