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 Dolphins full-court pressed Herring because of his skill set and reputation as a stout run defender, which is a massive need for the 2026 team new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is putting together and Jeff Hafley’s responsible for coaching. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2026 Trailing by 20 points in the third quarter, the Carroll Dragons (1-1) were doomed by the Panthers’ stout defense that claimed five takeaways. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2026 Peter Zumthor’s design hoists a serpentine platform atop pavilions that read like stout, truncated legs, making the edifice almost creaturely in its architectural stance. — George Baker, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 According to a rep for the brand, Martin used a 40/60 split between first-fill and second-fill stout barrels, and the whiskey spent between six and 24 months in those casks for the secondary maturation. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
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
Adjective
  • Introduced in the 1970s to maintain the open grassy balds, these stocky, sure-footed ponies have become beloved icons.
    — Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The suspect is described as a White man in his 30s about 6 feet tall with a stocky build.
    — Juli McDonald, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • When a wealthy, royal woman is attacked by bandits, the two men save her and are welcomed to the castle as valiant knights.
    — Jourdain Searles, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
  • 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
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
Adjective
  • Not to say that Macbeth is pandering; but this big, sweeping production with all of the fixings is a solid kick-off to the calendar.
    — Christopher Barnard, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Credit quality should also be a focal point for investors hunting for solid portfolio income and better diversification against stocks.
    — Darla Mercado, CFP®, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Of course, a yeast that can survive on Mars is … well, a yeast that can survive on Mars, which could actually risk contaminating the planet with hardy and fast-multiplying Earth microbes.
    — Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Overall, top candidates for bare-root planting include deciduous fruit trees, roses, berry bushes, and hardy perennials, as these plants handle winter dormancy exceptionally well.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Chipotle-Shrimp Tacos With Fennel and Beans Canned pinto beans hold their own next to the smoky, plump shrimp in these tacos.
    — Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Key Takeaways Fresh ginger should feel firm, with plump knobs and taut skin, while soft or moldy pieces should be avoided.
    — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 15 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

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Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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