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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 Both players have been important to a stout United defense that allowed the third-fewest goals in MLS this season. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 24 Oct. 2025 Granted it's got the stoutest balance sheet and a huge consumer arm, but hard to escape the richness of the stock. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025 Any question which of those teams has a stout and sturdy offensive line? Mirjam Swanson, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025 Uwazurike has played 37% of Denver’s defensive snaps so far, has been stout against the run, and now has logged sacks in back-to-back games. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
Adjective
  • Designed by Hydro Tec, the modern, muscular exterior is characterized by a sturdy steel displacement hull, a distinctive bulbous bow, and a lightweight aluminum superstructure.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025
  • 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 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • It was bred from the American pit bull terrier and several bulldog breeds—including the English bulldog and American bulldog—to create a strong, stocky dog with a gentler temperament than traditional pit bulls.
    Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025
  • However, Schwarber looks like a player right out of the old school with his stocky build.
    John Perrotto, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Journey with Marie and her valiant Nutcracker prince to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy to experience a classic story with distinctly local flair.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Despite the valiant efforts, catch-up hockey does not become them.
    Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Designed by Hydro Tec, the modern, muscular exterior is characterized by a sturdy steel displacement hull, a distinctive bulbous bow, and a lightweight aluminum superstructure.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025
  • In the after photo, the actor shows off his muscular physique in shorts and a tank top.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Scott Parker’s team possess all of the qualities that Vincent Kompany’s side lacked — a solid defensive foundation, togetherness, fighting spirit, and valuable top-flight experience led by example from defender Kyle Walker and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Certain closet staples are well worth investing in, but finding comparable styles at a more affordable price point can make building a solid seasonal wardrobe more realistic.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • When temperatures drop well below 0, less cold-hardy azaleas could be killed back to the ground.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2025
  • The storm hardy island could feel some of the storm’s outer bands, and officials have issued a hurricane warning for the island.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There were black burlat cherries, plump apricots, a basket of fragrant strawberries.
    Danielle Postel-Vinay, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
  • And this peptide serum delivers, with 10 different peptides (which serve to smooth lines and plump lax skin) housed in yet another copper peptide that delivers them deep into the skin.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • That instinct and his courageous actions on May 15, 2024, during a burglary in progress led to the local officer being among 15 first responders presented with a Hero Award during the National First Responders Day Roll Call of Heroes on Tuesday in New York City’s Times Square.
    Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Tolkien conceived of the Shire as the quaint, pastoral homeland of the Hobbits, a race of short yet courageous dwellers of the fictional Middle-earth.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 3 Nov. 2025.

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