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 Regal bontebok were replaced by stout warthogs, whose amusing visages quickly filled my camera roll. Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026 But the run-up under splash hire coach Mauricio Pochettino has been less than encouraging, though a recent 3-2 friendly win over a stout Senegal squad was a positive. Greg Cote june 4, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026 The stout, middle-aged man, was due to have cataract surgery in April at the clinic in Catacamas, which sits on the lowest slopes of a bushy hill some four hours east of Tegucigalpa, the country’s capital. Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 3 June 2026 The Jets aren’t tackling yet, but their run defense has looked stout up front thus far. Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 3 June 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, 27 June 2026
  • While linen and silk are light and airy, some occasions call for a sturdier yet equally breathable option.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • The adults are about 5 to 10 pounds with stocky, thick bodies, short ears, short legs, and a bushy tail.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 22 June 2026
  • Maisie is about 40 pounds, with a stocky build and a French bulldog face.
    Logan Hall, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Tunisia put up a valiant effort despite the nonstop Dutch offensive.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • And if the heat doesn’t get to you first, the humidity is sure to make a valiant attempt.
    Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • Its muscular composite and Kevlar exterior is finished in a glossy, factory-correct shade of Rosso Corsa, though the car did spend a few years, toward the beginning of its life, painted silver, according to the listing.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 29 June 2026
  • Lagree’s Megaformer, introduced in the early 2000s, has two sliding platforms and was built for higher-intensity work that develops muscular endurance.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • Affordable July 4 destinations July 4 may be a peak travel period, but travelers can still snag some solid deals for a beach vacation.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Plenty of the group stage games have gone 0-0 before players returned to the locker room, but at least solid chances have been created.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026
Adjective
  • The minty leaves of this winter-hardy plant can be used as a culinary herb.
    Steve Bender, Southern Living, 23 June 2026
  • Plant hardy arborvitae in zones 2 through 8, placing containers in areas with dappled sunlight, full sun, or partial shade.
    Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • That observation eventually led to the discovery of Pitera, the brand's now-iconic ferment; this sheet mask is absolutely drenched in it to nourish and plump skin with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 June 2026
  • Amazon shoppers say the $22 Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Multi-Balm leaves their skin hydrated and plump.
    Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Although Argentina recovered from the defeat and reached the final, the Cameroon team’s courageous performance has become the stuff of World Cup legend.
    Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026
  • Marmo sees Bruce’s life as tragical, comical but also adventurous and courageous.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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