stalwart 1 of 2

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

Relevance

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
Ryan Fitzgerald, a stalwart at Florida State, has the edge through summer workouts over Matthew Wright, an NFL journeyman. Alex Zietlow july 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2025 The local megachurch is its own whole thing, with Shondaland stalwart Katie Lowes giving a delightfully overbearing performance as Jill, a preacher’s wife and Margo sidekick who’s plotting to profit off of her husband’s influence. Judy Berman, Time, 21 July 2025
Noun
The ascendant Nazar and stalwart Murphy were in a virtual tie after that. Scott Powers, New York Times, 29 July 2025 Kayla Sharples has been a key member of the Current’s stalwart defensive efforts since arriving via a trade in August 2024. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • While valiant efforts have been made to protect and preserve some of Florida’s wild places, the pace of preservation has not kept pace with the pace of loss.
    Joe Murphy, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025
  • But after a valiant comeback effort, Pete Alonso struck out with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, and an error by third baseman Brett Baty in the top of the 10th handed the Guardians back the lead.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • The immolation of the Bronx was all the more staggering because, a generation before, it had been filled with upwardly mobile residents in sturdy homes.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
  • For five rounds, Chimaev rag-dolled a massive and sturdy champion in Dricus Du Plessis en route to a decisive victory (50-44 x3).
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • This probing memoir tells that story, along with Nguyen’s path forward as an activist.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The combination of political pressure, strategic interest, and activist involvement could be the ignition.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Selby has lived a big, courageous life, and that largesse is evident on every page, in the form of the rigor and curiosity of the narrative voice.
    Gabrielle Bellot, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Now more than ever, Uncle Sam will be looking for courageous insiders to step forward to ensure that the promise to treat disease doesn’t become an opportunity to fleece taxpayers instead.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • These can lead to blindness, light sensitivity, cough, shortness of breath, and muscular weakness.4 IgA pemphigus causes eruptions of itchy and painful blisters that appear in circles or clusters on your skin.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 10 Aug. 2025
  • The director’s many fans are anticipating his signature blend of muscular craftsmanship, elegant mise-en-scène, psychological intensity and moral ambiguity.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The decision sparked a firestorm on social media — where much of the debate around these issues is taking place — and Jackson-Smith was the target of abusive and threatening comments from both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine supporters.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025
  • The former City Council president spent primary day visiting various polling sites, capping off the night with her team and supporters at The Enclave on Detroit's northwest side to celebrate her campaign.
    Dana Afana, Freep.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Lucio — leggy, brave, sturdy in the challenge — is probably more appropriate as a reference point.
    Jack Lang, New York Times, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Today this material can seal pipes and brave the ocean.
    Andrea Tamayo, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stalwart

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!