stalwart 1 of 2

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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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
Jazz haunts with debts owed to its creators, and has a knack for revivals, collectives, new venues in the old forms, and stalwart clubs revivified by benefactors and grant funding. Celina Pereira, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026 The two spent years clashing on the hardcourt as stalwart defenders and elite shooters are wont to do. Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
Paka breaks up the merino monopoly with its low-crew-length alpaca-blend stalwart, which has been reviewed favorably in the past by Outside runners, hikers, and travellers. Scott Douglas, Outside, 3 Feb. 2026 McClintock, a longtime conservative stalwart, has served in Congress since 2009. Mathew Miranda february 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • With Steph Curry in street clothes for the second consecutive game while dealing with runner’s knee, the 11-man Golden State put up a valiant effort that resulted in a come-from-behind 101-97 win.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026
  • An eight-point halftime lead completely vanished, and after a valiant comeback effort, SMU point guard Boopie Miller’s game-winning shot was blocked at the buzzer.
    Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Among the recovered materials, dysprosium, ytterbium, and erbium are considered high-value due to strong demand and limited substitutes, while yttrium and gadolinium are widely used in electronics, lighting, and healthcare.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Paris Reuters — French wine and spirits exports fell last year to their lowest volume in at least 25 years as US tariffs and Chinese duties hit sales and a strong euro made some alcohol more expensive, industry group FEVS said on Tuesday, warning of no imminent relief.
    Reuters 9 hr ago, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Organizers brushed off those rumors, heralding the beds as sturdy and eco-friendly.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
  • If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Conservative leaders and activists are criticizing the NFL's choice, citing the artist's political views and challenges to gender norms.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
  • In Central Florida, activists still are hoping to overwhelm HLI Partners with their opposition to any sale.
    Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Braver Angels has created a cross-partisan Civic Scholars Council to explore the meanings of courageous citizenship and examine lessons of America’s civic history from different vantages.
    Harry Boyte, Twin Cities, 8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The 30-second spot features a voluptuous humanoid woman and her muscular male companion dancing at a club with bottles in hand.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Behind Hassan, a bald, muscular man yelled something in Hebrew, and his two arms stretched forward, pointing at Hassan.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • To his excited supporters, Platner might just be the Democrats’ perfect populist insurgent for Maine.
    Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Unless public land supporters in office act to clarify corner crossing in law, access will continue to shrink.
    Karlee Provenza, Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The world must stand with the people of Iran before more of our bravest souls are lost.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Visitors can take a three-hour train from Zurich or Milan or brave the winding mountain passes by car.
    Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.

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