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as in valiant
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament stout souls who boldly ventured forward, not knowing what kinds of danger they faced

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Mountaineers play a bit faster, but were defensively stout throughout a four-game winning streak to finish the season, holding each of their opponents in that stretch to less than 60 points. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025 At room temperature an individual piece can measure a stout 5 centimeters when stood upright on its end. Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Cade Cunningham’s 36 points, stout defense subdue Knicks Where Red Wings assistant coach Trent Yawney goes, top young defensemen grow Colton Pouncy is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Lions. Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 And yet, even academia’s stoutest defenders would acknowledge there were serious problems with STEM graduate education even before Trump took office again. Celia Ford, Vox, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
Adjective
  • It’s entirely made of cotton that has been coated with polyvinyl to create a sturdy material with the look of pebbled leather, which is as water-resistant and stain-repellent as hide.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Get to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The sizable insects have stocky bodies and short antennae.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2025
  • The suspect reportedly used the names Jerry, Jimmy, George and James, had a stocky build, prominent overbite and a short-cropped haircut.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 25 Mar. 2025
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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Trump's tariffs roiled markets but data shows a solid economy.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Global media and entertainment company Canal+ reported a solid start to 2025, with first-quarter revenues hitting €1.547 billion ($1.77 billion), up 1.5% organically compared to the same period last year, according to the company’s trading update released on Tuesday.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The mountain hydrangea is hardy in zones 6a to 9b and prefers a woodland placement with dappled light.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
  • According to the company, the rose bushes are hardy to planting zones 5-11.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Isotonic Hydra Gel Eye Masks by Espa: These eye masks instantly hydrate, plump, and brighten the under-eye and contour area, softening dehydration lines and signs of tiredness.
    Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The classic brown color delivers a soft, satin finish, while maracuja oil and hyaluronic acid work together to hydrate, plump, and condition your lips.
    Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 24 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

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Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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