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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
Perhaps both players would have remained stalwart in their stances. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 That’s what prompted the rise of stalwart crypto investors such as Pantera Capital. Ben Weiss, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
The leaves rival Jannik Sinner a huge -230 betting favorite to win the men’s side this year -- and secure a career Grand Slam -- well ahead of Alexander Zverev and aging stalwart Novak Djokovic. Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2026 But their grandmother, a stalwart Lutheran, will be angry when Solveig comes out. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • Keegan Bradley captained last year's team at Bethpage Black, which had an embarrassing first two days but gave a valiant effort at an unprecedented comeback in Sunday singles.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • That Niall finds Ruben so alluring is natural to Gadd, who believes the notion of a valiant male figure has been bred into everyone via fables and fairy tales.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Jessica Chmielewski, Colleen Gartlan and Ella Riordan led a strong defensive effort in front of Noone.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Set one clear boundary today and confirm expectations so your commitments stay strong and manageable.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The 28-meter (92-foot) tall maypole was lifted horizontally on wooden carts and pulled into the village by two sturdy horses from the local beer brewery.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 May 2026
  • These knives also feature a sturdy spine for extra heft and durability.
    Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Noun
  • Bike activists in this city have, to our minds, successfully enhanced the lot of cyclists in Chicago and are fully entitled to keep pushing for more reasonable improvements.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026
  • Animal activists are pressing the Los Angeles City Council to continue funding a program that provides exercise and play time for dogs confined in city animal shelters.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • Many parents are afraid to go on the record against a school or coach for fear of retribution against their son or daughter, so for a teenager to go out on the limb and put himself up to possible ridicule was both stunning and courageous.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
  • However, thanks to the efforts of courageous youth advocates, there is hope in safeguarding youth health.
    Jad Abdel Nour, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Then this kid who was my height but much more muscular appeared in the backstop.
    Chang-rae Lee, New Yorker, 3 May 2026
  • Eight muscular feet tall, it is carved from cork and then selectively painted—a distant echo of tribal markings.
    Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • The clip, shared on X, appears to show Zahra Billoo, executive director of the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations CAIR-CA, discussing how supporters should approach expressing controversial sentiments in public versus private settings.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026
  • Liverpool have revised plans to increase ticket prices following protests and lengthy discussions with the club’s supporters’ board.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • The forty-niners are elemental to our identity as a nation of brave, rugged individualists.
    Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 4 May 2026
  • Her and Alexander's relationship, his crimes and her brave investigative work are all unpeeled in the new docuseries, which hit Netflix on April 29.
    Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 7 May. 2026.

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