Definition of stoutnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word stout different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stout are stalwart, strong, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When can stalwart be used instead of stout?

While the synonyms stalwart and stout are close in meaning, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

Where would strong be a reasonable alternative to stout?

In some situations, the words strong and stout are roughly equivalent. However, strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms
the defense has a strong case

When would sturdy be a good substitute for stout?

The words sturdy and stout can be used in similar contexts, but sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When might tenacious be a better fit than stout?

The words tenacious and stout are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 stout?

The meanings of tough and stout largely overlap; 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 stout The Aztecs are stout as ever defensively under coach Brian Dutcher but rank 108th nationally in offensive efficiency, according to the Pomeroy ratings, which measure points-per-possession adjusted for opponents. Jon Wilner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026 Within food delivery, Uber faces stout competition from companies including DoorDash, which has a market cap of over $71 billion. Salvador Rodriguez, CNBC, 23 Feb. 2026 Gabriel Vaughn is what the river community would call a stout boater. Outside, 20 Feb. 2026 Written in partnership with the business and technology consultancy Accenture, Aii’s new report on the cost of inaction offers purse-string holders a stout business case. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
Adjective
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Cornhole toss Set up the sturdy cornhole boards and get to tossing the eight all-weather regulation bean bags.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are larger and stockier animals that weigh in at around 14 pounds and measure about 25 inches long.
    Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Police determined that the suspect, described as a Black man with a stocky build, fled the scene going southbound on York Road in a white BMW.
    CBS News, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Hundreds of firefighters worked to extinguish a massive fire that broke out at a warehouse near Miami Gardens in northwest Miami-Dade on Thursday, but officials fear that the blaze could smolder for days despite their valiant efforts to put it out.
    Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
  • There was a strong suspicion that the deployment of Meredith and his two valiant soldiers was more of a low-cost publicity stunt than a serious attempt to cull the emu population.
    Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Hamilton, writing as Pacificus, reaffirmed his typically muscular reading of executive authority.
    Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026
  • His style of play — muscular, bustling, old-school — stands in stark opposition to his bleached hair.
    The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • His advancing to a runoff against Fuller turns heads as his chances of flipping a solid Republican seat have another chance.
    Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Just a solid, weighty dial to twist, and a ticking sound that gently marks the passing time.
    Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Want to know just how hardy bee balm is?
    Lauren David, Martha Stewart, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The plants are hardy in USDA Zones 8-10.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Each winter, a selection of international artisans have free reign to carve their designs into ephemeral Art Suites, whose elaborate beds—topped with plump mattresses, reindeer hides, and sleeping bags—are truly beyond imagination.
    Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
  • These varieties produce juicy, plump strawberries, which are perfect for a summer harvest.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The program will highlight the courageous and often overlooked women who played vital roles in the fight for independence.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Witness the cliff-diving ceremony at Kaanapali Beach, a tradition that honors the courageous leap made by King Kahekili in the 18th century.
    Cailey Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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