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
The first semifinal will see the new guard face the aging stalwart as Carlos Alcaraz takes on Novak Djokovic. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025 The diversified stalwart that is JPM, and its peer group of WFC and C are well known and discussed. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2025
Noun
Even the once-stalwart security of a computer science degree is reportedly under assault, with AI replacing entry-level coders. Emil Steiner, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Ace has been the helpful place in South Milwaukee for decades, but the stalwart hardware store is closing its doors. Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 9 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • Despite a valiant comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, which included a run of 19 unanswered points, the early miscues essentially buried Carolina in a hole the Panthers couldn’t fully climb out of.
    DIAMOND VENCES, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2025
  • His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Washington counts Qatar as a strong Gulf ally.
    Jarrett Renshaw, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The audio-streaming platform has amassed a sizable free cash flow due to its strong revenue growth, a figure that has been boosted by the company's swelling active user base in recent financial quarters.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Fall sowing encourages sturdy plants and earlier blooms, which can be quite beneficial in hot Southern climes.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The sturdy plastic housings resist fading and cracking and are brown in color to blend with most outdoor surfaces.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And in late August, the father of conservative political activist Riley Gaines filed for the seat.
    David Mark, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk is sending shockwaves through Capitol Hill, a place that is no stranger to political violence.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • This is a courageous act that requires vulnerability over cowardice.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The school has been the courageous standard bearer of academic freedom in the assault on higher education.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Strength training can break you out of that state by building muscular support around joints, correcting imbalances and improving overall stability.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
  • City were also without Phil Foden, Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol before the international break, while John Stones withdrew from the England squad due to a muscular injury.
    Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Participants are currently gathering pledges from friends and supporters.
    Nate Heinold, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Fields had plenty of supporters in the locker room and even on the staff.
    Dianna Russini, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Since then, McKie’s says his 6-year-old daughter and fiancée, who is expecting a baby girl in October, have praised his brave act.
    Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Charlie Kirk was an incredible patriot — brave, tough as hell, and a dear friend to our entire family.
    Amanda Castro Gabe Whisnant Anna Commander Toby Meyjes Shane Croucher John Feng Joshua Rhett Miller, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 17 Sep. 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!