Definition of stoutnext
1
2
3
4
5

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 These stout income plays are so valuable, in fact, that some activists are willing to go all the way to the Supreme Court to gain more influence over them. Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 Saddleback Caterpillar has a stout, brown body about an inch long with a bright green rectangle and an oval saddle marking on its back. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 June 2026 But still, 495 pound-feet of torque, that’s stout. Joel Feder, The Drive, 17 June 2026 Use a stout wooden stake and place it in the soil near the center of the pot after filling it with soil. Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 June 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, 6 July 2026
  • For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • But, Mitchell said, the change doesn’t change there, also with a desire to re-sculpt his stocky 6-foot build.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026
  • Groundhogs are stocky and part of the squirrel family, and can climb trees, and swim.
    Geoff Williams, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • Tunisia put up a valiant effort despite the nonstop Dutch offensive.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 26 June 2026
  • And if the heat doesn’t get to you first, the humidity is sure to make a valiant attempt.
    Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • The sport also includes jumping and physical loading that benefits bone density and muscular strength.
    Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
  • Lagree’s Megaformer, introduced in the early 2000s, has two sliding platforms and was built for higher-intensity work that develops muscular endurance.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026
Adjective
  • This upgrade package also includes the more powerful P160C solid-fuel boosters introduced in June and a lighter upper stage structure.
    Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026
  • As business brokers tell it, the type of companies that millennials are now eagerly snapping up are smaller firms with recurring revenue, a solid customer base, expertise in a niche market, and books that are in order.
    Maggie McGrath, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • How to Protect Yourself Against Cyclosporiasis The CDC says that the Cyclospora parasite is particularly hardy, so routine rinsing or washing of produce is unlikely to kill it.
    Jane Yoon Scott, EverydayHealth.com, 7 July 2026
  • For novice growers, Barthel likes to emphasize that cannabis is hardy and fast-growing like a weed.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • Advanced Night Ceramide Signature Anti-Aging Night Cream Think of this ceramide-rich formula as plump skin in a bottle.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • Instead of turning to cobbler this summer, put all of those juicy peaches and plump raspberries at the farmers’ market to good use with this stunning recipe.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • With courageous tennis and heaps of that necessary self-belief, Muchová beat Gauff 6-2, 1-6, 7-6(12-10) to advance to her second Grand Slam final and first at Wimbledon.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 9 July 2026
  • Board chairs need to be competent, courageous and lead with integrity to protect individual board members in order to fulfill the fiduciary duties and provide value to the shareholders.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on stout

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster