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 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 Despite the tall central fin on the back deck and the stout roll bars above the seats, turning your head to look behind the Slingshot gives a clearer view than expected. William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Adding Onyemata and Sweat should make the Jets stouter against the run. Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 The frame of this printer is rigid and stout to minimize error-inducing vibration during printing; HeyGears says layer positioning errors are no more than 2 microns. Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
Adjective
  • Neither Jović nor Eala has a sturdy serve, as is common among players their age, so quick points were few and far between.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Its full aluminum build is sturdy and lightweight enough to hold for a long time, and battery life is solid for how bright the screen is, clocking in at over six hours on a single charge in our testing.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike paper wasps, yellow jackets have a shorter, stockier body with a less pronounced narrow waist.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
  • His 6-foot, 205-pound stocky frame could give him a physicality edge, and his receiving ability could add an intrigue.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Tong’s valiant charge promises to yield returns in the longer term, but CT leadership must do more now to restore Connecticut’s reputation and status as a haven for all families.
    Dr. SJ Job, Hartford Courant, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The sense of doom freed them to push hard into a rich new pop direction, filling Sound of Lies with songs that were deeply felt and sometimes dark amid the muscular pop hooks.
    Steve Appleford, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The Brooks Ghost Max SE is built with a glide roll rocker sole that helps to minimize muscular strain near the ankles.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • If Wayne, a fictional character, were a more solid creation, the movie could better explore the issue of whether answering racist brutality in kind is more effective than relying on an inadequate system.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The Volunteers have been the kingpin of Arlington ISD football the last two seasons, but several squads like Lamar, Arlington Martin and Arlington seem to have made solid offseason progress.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Most mums of this type are suited for zones 5-9, but some exceptionally cold-tolerant varieties, such as Mammoth, are hardy down to zone 3.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • While hardier, wipeable furniture certainly has its time and place (say, messy craft sessions and sticky snack times), something a little more plush lends itself well to lounging around, reading breaks, and more relaxed forms of play.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Specs AccordionItemContainerButton Minimalist and cozy are two words that come to mind when describing the Zixuan daybed, which has a clean silhouette but doesn’t feel sterile thanks to its plump pillows.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Purchasing Fresh Corn In The Husk To pick out your fresh corn still in the husk, start by giving the ear of corn a gentle squeeze to feel for plump kernels and avoid husks with brown holes, a sign of worms.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • However, rather than the courageous grand duchesses who fought for the freedom of their people far away, the author was fascinated by the suffragette movement of the 1910s.
    Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Those early songs and some of that stuff was so courageous, so good.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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