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

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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

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
Despite applying bucket loads of pressure, the Americans just couldn’t find a way past the quite stalwart Desbiens. Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 Feb. 2026 Central Avenue fuels the city’s buzzing food-and-drink scene with Japanese listening bars, intimate chef’s counter experiences, coffee shops (Bandit is my favorite) perfect for remote work, and stalwart local faves like Pete’s Bagels, where the line starts early. Carrie Honaker, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
The mayor also spent years working behind the scenes to lure satellite events of the 2028 Olympics to Oklahoma City and has been a moderate stalwart in the far-right culture wars that have gripped much of the state. Maria Guinnip, Oklahoman, 6 Feb. 2026 Casper Casper is a stalwart among our staffers’ favorite mattress brands. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 5 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • There was a strong suspicion that the deployment of Meredith and his two valiant soldiers was more of a low-cost publicity stunt than a serious attempt to cull the emu population.
    Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Keller Mayor Armin Mizani has a strong lead over former Tarrant County GOP Treasurer Fred Tate in the Republican primary for state House in District 98 after the early voting, according to unofficial results.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
  • In addition to seeing stronger hair over time, she’s noticed that adding this formula to her regimen has helped improve her energy levels and balance her hormone levels.
    Emily Orofino, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Feb. 2026
  • This modern floor lamp boasts a sturdy, angled base and a wide drum shade, ready to cast light around your entire space.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act was supported by many in Uganda but widely condemned by rights activists and others abroad.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Ties deteriorated after Canadian authorities alleged that India was involved in the killing of a Canadian Sikh activist near Vancouver in June 2023.
    ABC News, ABC News, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • These gains are the result of courageous leadership and a relentless focus on the fundamentals.
    Jeb Bush, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
  • Their home stands as a reminder that democracy requires both courageous lawyers and courageous journalists.
    Alvin C. Hathaway Sr, Baltimore Sun, 22 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Their findings showed collagen supplement use can be beneficial for certain aspects of skin, bone and muscular health.
    Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Researchers presumed that certain genes were more active in this part of the heart, and that this activity explained the formation of the muscular network of trabeculae.
    Clare Watson, Quanta Magazine, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Warren has been a supporter of similar legislation.
    Boston Herald editorial staff, Boston Herald, 26 Feb. 2026
  • That changed a bit on a sunny Saturday in San Francisco, the contest assuming a smidgen of campaign heat — chanting crowds, sign-waving supporters, call-and-response from the audience — as the state party held its annual convention in this bluest of cities.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • An estimated 4,300 brave souls took part in the Polar Plunge in Lake Michigan this chilly Sunday, all to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026
  • These three brave men have come to fight for the future of Australian agriculture, to face down a foe the Australian army has never faced before.
    Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.

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