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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 Or try Tower Arch Trail (3.4 miles roundtrip), which takes you to a stout, wide arch near a tower. Maya Silver, Outside Online, 2 May 2025 There is lots of evidence that there is at least a stout plurality in American politics that rejects the wild-eyed populism that has dominated the debates in both major political parties for the past decade. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 29 Apr. 2025 The 6-1, 340-pound prospect is a stout run-stopper with underrated pass-rushing ability. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025 That affords the 49ers the opportunity to have stout run/pass defenders on both edges, with Williams also having the versatility to rush inside against a guard if that’s the way defensive coordinator Robert Saleh wants to play it. Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
Adjective
  • For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • And one particular branch has become strapping and sturdy: Dave Roberts.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Anderson is stocky with an enthusiastic teaching style and a passion for jiu jitsu.
    CalMatters, Mercury News, 5 May 2025
  • The sizable insects have stocky bodies and short antennae.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Panthers in an 0-2 hole in the series Despite a valiant effort once again in the third — putting up 37 shot attempts and 15 scoring chances (including 10 high-danger chances) — the Panthers fell 4-3 to the Maple Leafs and are now 0-2 in the best-of-7 series.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
  • The Mets’ late-inning shortcomings squandered a valiant effort by Waddell, who was called up from Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday to provide length as the Mets deployed a bullpen game.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The bellicosity of these two speeches, at a time when the cease-fire was still tenuous, seemed to reflect Modi’s need to appear muscular in the face of public criticism and after being undermined by Trump’s swagger.
    Vaibhav Vats, The Atlantic, 21 May 2025
  • In his view, Florida state and local governments are muscular enough to handle what comes.
    Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • While the bullpen has been a bit of a mess, the starting rotation has been solid.
    Will Graves, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Per Deadline Hollywood, which first reported the cancellation, viewership for season 3 was still solid but the show slipped out of Nielsen's Top 10 Originals chart quicker than its predecessors, and the decision to cancel ultimately came down to the show's hefty price tag.
    EW.com, EW.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • The fisherman aesthetic, a modern and trendy take on nautical design, offers cool colors and hardy materials (like wood and stone) with an emphasis on creating cozy spots to lounge.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
  • As usual, his Ethan Hunt is muscular, hardy, game for anything.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Photo: By Stefan Kohli The collection, which includes necklaces, rings, and earrings, takes cues from Parker’s signature ceramics style: oversized plump white studs bear a resemblance to her Puffy Daisy sconce, as does the Puffy Dome cuff bracelet.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 21 May 2025
  • Those plump little gems are juicy, sweet, and packed with antioxidants and fiber.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • In her courageous testimony, Ventura described the myriad means by which Combs achieved and maintained power and control over her during their decade-long relationship.
    Elizabeth Geddes, Rolling Stone, 23 May 2025
  • While there are many other ways to foster courageous leadership, these three are evergreen.
    Quang X. Pham, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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