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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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
Netanyahu sought to hear support from his stalwart ally Trump on a country Israel perceives as increasingly hostile. Time, 9 Apr. 2025 The stalwart offensive lineman was cut by the Bengals after experiencing a down year in 2024. Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
Marshall was a defensive stalwart for USC in her senior season averaging a team-leading 2.1 blocks per game plus 1.2 steals on top of her 7.9 points and 8.4 rebounds. Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 15 Apr. 2025 The 6-footer has been a backcourt stalwart for Purdue, starting 110 games across his three seasons while averaging 12.5 points, 6.9 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game. Brendan Marks, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • Without every last one of those points, there’s no telling whether No. 1 Duke would’ve survived No. 4 Arizona’s valiant comeback attempt.
    The Athletic College Basketball Staff, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The Cybertruck is indeed a valiant effort in doing something new, and that’s not what most manufacturers dare to do.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • It’s also loaded with features like USB passthrough and a sturdy wrist rest.
    Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 1 May 2025
  • Best Minimalist Pick: Kuru Flex Via Kuru may specialize in sturdy, supportive shoes—but that doesn’t mean all of its pairs feel clunky.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • The Trump administration used the same argument to detain fellow Columbia activist Mahmoud Khalil — who, like Mahdawi, has a green card — and Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Carole Baskin, an animal rights activist and Maldonado's rival, also starred in the show.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Take the first step today and let your epic story unfold, one courageous step at a time.
    Neerja Bhatia, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Originally bred as herding dogs, German shepherds earned the reputation of being affectionate, courageous and incredibly loyal.
    Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The muscular gizzard contains grit pecked up from the chicken’s ground feeding, which is used to crush up the chicken’s food.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The lack of a muscular public reaction to the AP being under fire from the Trump team has also exposed divisions in the WHCA.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Nevertheless, supporters are calling the Texas law a major win for the school choice movement.
    Kayla Jimenez, USA Today, 4 May 2025
  • Led by Pereira, Wolves’ players and staff joined hands, formed a line, walked towards their supporters and raised their hands in the air three times to initiate three loud cheers from the stands.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 3 May 2025
Adjective
  • The National Police Office will fully take care of the benefits and welfare of the families of the 5 brave policemen.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Holocaust survivor Marian Turski warned us all to be vigilant against indifference for good reason: turning inward at times of strife prevents us from being brave and leads to the exploitation of the vulnerable.
    Robert Williams, Time, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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