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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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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
Every story element, in fact, is as a familiar stalwart of ’70s narratives, in the same way that sawn-off shotguns and polyester body shirts are props that embody an era. Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2025 Defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, a 2022 first-round pick whose fifth-year option was just exercised, and 2023 Day 3 picks Karl Brooks and Colby Wooden must help compensate for the loss of the stalwart Clark, who is fully healthy after recovering from offseason toe surgery. Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 29 Aug. 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
  • Call it a valiant, optimistic, perhaps even a calamitous misreading.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
  • In addition to implementing many voluntary changes, and even after a valiant legal fight and court victory, Harvard may still make a deal to get Trump off its back.
    Jeannie Suk Gersen, New Yorker, 6 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
  • The sturdy steel frame holds up to 650 pounds, while the insulated cup holders cool and keep drinks within reach.
    Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 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
  • The same can be said of Mescal, who’s already parlayed playing men of muscular physique and melancholy dispositions into above-the-title movie stardom.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The prose is ecstatic and freaky and muscular.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The president sought to show supporters that the achievements of his administration would be wiped out if Republican opponent Mitt Romney won the election.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Despite facing challenges to get the march off the ground this year, supporters came bearing flags, signs and spirit on the eve of the Boise Pride Festival, which takes place this weekend.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have returned to the streets demanding a brave leadership.
    Ron Scherf, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
  • So carefree, fearless, brave and radiant.
    Staff Author, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

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