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 And liquid cheese drips over the side of a stout little fish nugget accompanied by Sichuan pickle tartar sauce. Julia Sayers Gokhale, Midwest Living, 13 May 2026 And the Current’s aggressive press and stout defense finally resembled that of last year’s NWSL Shield-winning team. Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026 The short and stout table lamp is positively good enough to eat. Francesca Perry, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2026 At just under 34 inches tall, this stout king can be freestanding but also fits neatly under counters, which are typically 35 to 40 inches high. Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Apr. 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, 29 May 2026
  • Tutt and his teams have worked on engineering designs to safely drop anything needing a sturdy parachute — including the Orion capsule that splashed down last month off the coast of San Diego after its 477,710-mile journey to the moon and back.
    Pat Maio, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Their stocky bodies sit low to the ground, and their limbs are muscular.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • 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, 23 May 2026
Adjective
  • Diamondbacks center fielder Jorge Barrosa made a valiant diving effort to catch the ball, and Adames would’ve easily been doubled off had Barrosa caught it.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
  • Busch, who tragically died at 41 on Thursday from an undetermined illness, turned in a valiant effort in 2014, finishing sixth in the Indy 500 despite having limited experience in IndyCar.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
Adjective
  • Rumbello explains that this dual approach is intended to address the underlying muscular response.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 28 May 2026
  • Burcaw, who co-runs the popular Squirmy and Grubs YouTube channel, recounts his life with spinal muscular atrophy in this heartfelt memoir.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • The dates up to that point were solid, according to Kristin.
    Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
  • The breakfast menu is solid, with great coffee, a strong smoothie list, and things like overnight oats and an elevated take on an egg and cheese.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Show hardy Oslovians your Scandi credentials by taking a quick dip in the fjord, then warming up your bones in The Thief’s hammam.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • As the name implies, hardy begonias can handle cold weather.
    Lauren David, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • At Pan Asian restaurant Oriental, the lobster comes to the beachside tables looking like plump scoops of ice cream, and is best ordered alongside the black pepper wagyu beef.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 2026
  • Look for cherries that are bright, plump and firm.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 1 June 2026
Adjective
  • Perkin described his wife as inventive and courageous in her art.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026
  • Nearly four decades later, as cuts to HIV prevention and treatment programs threaten to unravel years of progress, Earle’s story remains a testament to the power of courageous action.
    Christina Ray Stanton, Time, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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