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

Relevance

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
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, one of the most stalwart allies of the Jewish state in Congress, lambasted Netanyahu on the Senate floor during a March 2024 speech and encouraged Israelis to elect a new government. Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 Better yet, imagine being Toussaint, one of the most stalwart cast members of the Game of Thrones prequel, inhabiting that ride. Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
Since then, Fernando Cruz, a bullpen stalwart, and depth pieces Kervin Castro and Angel Chivilli have suffered injuries. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 31 Aug. 2026 The stalwart, a source confirmed, has agreed to start off on the practice squad. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • Which puts a spotlight on the embarrassing disorder of Expo Park itself (despite valiant efforts from its current leadership, including a parking lot soon to be turned into a park near BMO Stadium).
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Tong’s valiant charge promises to yield returns in the longer term, but CT leadership must do more now to restore Connecticut’s reputation and status as a haven for all families.
    Dr. SJ Job, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The majority vote for Madeline, but there’s a strong Victor block.
    Alice Burton, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The weather service warned that stronger thunderstorms on Saturday also could bring gusty winds, frequent lightning and heavy downpours.
    Juan Ortega, Sun Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s a clear sign of just how timeless and sturdy his music is in a scene defined by constant turnover.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Once your little one has graduated from the baby bath at around five months, this bath seat with a high backrest and sturdy design is the next step.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Kennedy, a longtime antivaccine activist, chaired Children’s Health Defense for years.
    Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • According to the insider, the baby’s middle name, Bean, is a reference to late singer and activist Carl Bean, who co-founded the Unity Fellowship Church Movement, a faith group that welcomed the LGBTQ+ community.
    Marzia Nicolini, Vanity Fair, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The courageous woman at the center of that series survived long enough to give a dying statement, in the hope that her testimony would set a precedent and make the world safer for others.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Fine publicly praised his wife following her testimony, describing her as strong and courageous in a statement read outside the courthouse by attorney Douglas Wigdor.
    Sameen Chaudhry, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • According to the Mayo Clinic, esophagitis is inflammation of the tissue lining the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and drink from the mouth to the stomach.
    Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Abu Dhabi’s Etihad is taking the same muscular approach, adding more than 20 aircraft and new routes to Europe, Africa, and China as other long-haul carriers have pulled back.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Some of the nations attending the meeting in western Ukraine's Ivano-Frankivsk region, such as Poland and Romania, have been staunch supporters of Ukraine.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Some of the nations attending the meeting in western Ukraine’s Ivano-Frankivsk region, such as Poland and Romania, have been staunch supporters of Ukraine.
    Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Watching someone make a brave decision or step into a new version of themselves matters deeply to me.
    Michelle De Almeida, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • This brave girl fought her way through treatment and is now a happy, healthy survivor ready for the next chapter of her life — a forever home.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 11 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on stalwart

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster