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
After finally getting Gotham crime boss Rupert Thorne (Cedric Yarbrough) to stand trial, justice remains stubbornly out of reach for the city’s few stalwart do-gooders. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Aug. 2026 Today the most stalwart moral defense of the postwar European commitment to peace today comes from an American in the Vatican. Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
Noun
Coates went from precocious freshman starter to Jacobs’ defensive stalwart last season, recording 122 tackles. Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 The four-star recruit dominated offenses as a stalwart in the backfield and intercepted two passes and forced a fumble last season. Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • On the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Day, Field of Vision is launching a new documentary on Ukraine’s valiant fight to maintain its freedom.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
  • What would be the worst moment in a mere mortal’s career, Hoecht turned into a valiant scene.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Davis delivered a strong preseason, but he is now likely headed to a redshirt rookie season unless injuries strike at tackle.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt.
    Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Natural and lab-grown diamonds are sturdy enough to hold up to everyday wear, with gems like sapphire and moissanite right behind them.
    Larissa Ratschkowski, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026
  • These sturdy and reliable machines are great for both knocking out homework and streaming Netflix, with a big 24-inch FHD monitor that boasts good brightness and wide viewing angles.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Far-right conservative activist Laura Loomer swiftly took to social media to applaud Yiannopoulos’ arrest after years of public feuding between the two personalities.
    Safiyah Riddle, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Some Iranian Americans, particularly among anti-regime activists, welcomed US and Israeli strikes and saw them as a potential path toward ending the Islamic Republic’s rule.
    Julia Vargas Jones, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • However, rather than the courageous grand duchesses who fought for the freedom of their people far away, the author was fascinated by the suffragette movement of the 1910s.
    Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Those early songs and some of that stuff was so courageous, so good.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Roberts said Wednesday that the results suggested the injury was more muscular, rather than nerve related.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Across domains such as cognition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular strength, that window can end well before a person becomes unhealthy or unable to work.
    Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • His supporters say the condemnation is merely a sign of Crump’s skill.
    Ryan Young, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Among those younger supporters is Matt Kelly, president of the UMass Lowell College Democrats.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • All 18,000 tickets had been given to anyone willing to brave long lines.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Set the scene Anyone brave enough to travel long-haul with young children will appreciate the speedy 30-minute transfer time—and the excitement of a seaplane—between Malé and Lux* South Ari Atoll.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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