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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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
Everton do not expect to re-sign midfield stalwart Idrissa Gueye this summer, with talks over a new contract having concluded without a deal being reached. Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 24 July 2026 Fuji Rock, the stalwart Japanese festival held at Naeba Ski Resort, is putting on its 2026 edition this weekend, July 24-26. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026
Noun
Pots of this Southern stalwart have been a key source of vitamins and minerals for generations. Libby Monteith Minor, Southern Living, 25 July 2026 Since coming to the Current in 2023 from Chicago, DiBernardo has been a stalwart in the KC lineup. Pj Green july 24, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • 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
  • Despite Aldis's valiant comeback, including a superplex and a King's Lynn Cloverleaf that nearly secured the win, Gunther ultimately prevailed.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Indonesia’s Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency said August and September are expected to be the most critical months as dry vegetation and strong winds create favorable conditions for fires to spread rapidly.
    ABC News, ABC News, 10 Aug. 2026
  • For someone who is dogmatic, or has a strong commitment to evangelism, this may not be satisfactory.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Sit toward the front edge of a sturdy chair, hold the sides for support, and lean back slightly while lifting one or both feet a few inches off the floor.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • One track, though, has stood out as an especially sturdy leader.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Pacific Legal argued this was part of the problem — a private group of unelected activists had repeatedly forced others to expend resources defending themselves.
    Michael Phillis, Fortune, 8 Aug. 2026
  • An economy that stretches to Haiti For Jean-Marie Denis, the Haitian writer and Little Haiti cultural activist better known by his pen name, Jan Mapou, the withdrawal of Haitians from public life evokes something from Haiti’s past.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The sun in Leo is expressive, vivacious and deeply courageous.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Only one, Andy Jassy, was courageous and smart enough to do it.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • While several countries have tried opt-out systems, France is hoping more muscular obligatory opt-in rules will be more effective.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Some babies that used to die from one genetic disease - spinal muscular atrophy - before their 2nd birthday now are living normal lives.
    Brad Quick, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Even her supporters glance askance at one another during her rambling entreaties.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Cliven Bundy, the family patriarch, rallied hundreds of supporters to block the roundup of his cattle, sparking a days long armed standoff between law enforcement and the Bundy group near the town of Bunkerville, outside of Las Vegas.
    Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But Mama’s imagination helps the time pass more quickly, and the duo become brave knights protecting from a dragon from a prince, or heroes capturing art thieves at a museum.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The sight of the lone rider desperately trying to hold on as the crowd roars them towards the line is magical, despite such brave attempts rarely being successful.
    Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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