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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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
The Kings were without four forwards, including stalwart center and team captain Anze Kopitar, who is day-to-day after sustaining a lower-body injury in a win over Minnesota on Monday. CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026 With stalwart Rob Havenstein battling ankle and knee injuries throughout the year, McClendon has started five games for the Rams this season, including the past two. Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 4 Dec. 2025
Noun
Adams replaced franchise stalwart Cooper Kupp, 32, whom the Rams released in mid-March. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026 Marcus Smart, the team’s perimeter defensive stalwart, sparked a 16-0 fourth-quarter run to put the game away, scoring 11 of his 15 points during the six-and-a-half-minute streak. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • 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
  • An eight-point halftime lead completely vanished, and after a valiant comeback effort, SMU point guard Boopie Miller’s game-winning shot was blocked at the buzzer.
    Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The aging expert later developed other biological aging clocks, including models shown in studies to be strong predictors of mortality risk.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • By Monday, any lingering concerns about Warsh or his history of hawkishness had been largely put aside as Wall Street turned its attention to surprisingly strong US manufacturing data.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Organizers brushed off those rumors, heralding the beds as sturdy and eco-friendly.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
  • If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Conservative leaders and activists are criticizing the NFL's choice, citing the artist's political views and challenges to gender norms.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
  • In Central Florida, activists still are hoping to overwhelm HLI Partners with their opposition to any sale.
    Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This has been a long runway and the mystery around Amelia Earhart’s courageous iconic life endures.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2026
  • What a courageous and heartwarming demonstration to remind us of our humanity.
    Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The 30-second spot features a voluptuous humanoid woman and her muscular male companion dancing at a club with bottles in hand.
    Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Behind Hassan, a bald, muscular man yelled something in Hebrew, and his two arms stretched forward, pointing at Hassan.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Savannah Guthrie opened the family’s plea by thanking supporters for their prayers before describing her mother as the heart of their family and making a direct appeal for contact, stressing Nancy Guthrie’s fragile health and urgent need for medication.
    Adam Sabes , Michael Ruiz , Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 5 Feb. 2026
  • His candidacy sparked sharp divisions, with supporters portraying him as a symbol of stability and opponents denouncing him as a reminder of authoritarian rule and unresolved war crimes.
    Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The world must stand with the people of Iran before more of our bravest souls are lost.
    Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Visitors can take a three-hour train from Zurich or Milan or brave the winding mountain passes by car.
    Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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