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 At 5-foot-8 and 220 pounds, Coleman certainly has the right frame to be stout in pass protection. Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 26 Apr. 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 Willy laments to his stout and thankless wife, Linda (Laurie Metcalf, upholding her reputation as a Broadway MVP), that buyers on the road laugh at him — that one even called him a shrimp. Naveen Kumar, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
Adjective
  • Reintroduced as Aqua Lares in late 2025, the 254-footer is comfortable in the harshest of environments, with a sturdy ice-class hull that can power through practically anything.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 May 2026
  • Optimize the wall space by placing belts and bags on sturdy hooks.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • The two police officers who responded found a short, stocky man in the backyard and an aluminum shed with its door yanked off.
    Dan Barry, New York Times, 12 May 2026
  • He is described as having a medium to stocky build with gray facial hair around the mouth and chin area.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame another valiant Lakers charge Thursday night to win their second game in two tries in the Western Conference semifinals at Paycom Center.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
  • Embiid’s injury status still looms after valiant efforts from his reserve teammates.
    Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • When Misiorowski pitches, his muscular legs take a long stride down the mound, and then his skinny right arm, which is as loose as a whip, follows.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 17 May 2026
  • Lou’s muscular body is always clad in unironed clothes.
    Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • With flat soles, light textures, and a smooth fit, preppy loafers are a solid option for long days on your feet, from theme park trips to office days.
    Aaron Royce, PEOPLE, 19 May 2026
  • He was banged up by playoff time but posted 23 goals last season and was a solid bottom-six forward.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • Adored for its almost non-stop flowering, 'Rozanne' boasts showy violet-blue flowers, a unique color among hardy geraniums.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 May 2026
  • Despite its tropical look, one hibiscus tree (Rose of Sharon) is cold-hardy and can grow in zones 5 to 9—much farther north than most gardeners expect.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • The nontoxic, antioxidant-rich lip oils are made with calming botanicals to deliver soft, plump, hydrated lips.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 May 2026
  • Sure, the injury excuse is sitting right there, plump and inviting.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 18 May 2026
Adjective
  • And Elia Kazan, the most notorious name-namer of them all, was simply a courageous patriot who told the truth.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026
  • Uthmeier has taken a courageous stand, and should finish the fight.
    Kimberly Bird, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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