Definition of strongnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word strong different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of strong are stalwart, stout, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," 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 might stalwart be a better fit than strong?

The meanings of stalwart and strong largely overlap; however, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When would stout be a good substitute for strong?

The words stout and strong can be used in similar contexts, but stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When is it sensible to use sturdy instead of strong?

The words sturdy and strong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

Where would tenacious be a reasonable alternative to strong?

In some situations, the words tenacious and strong are roughly equivalent. However, tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

In what contexts can tough take the place of strong?

Although the words tough and strong have much in common, 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 strong That’s also translated into a stronger youth system for the country. Amna Subhan, AJC.com, 24 June 2026 After strong pushback from the downtown community, San Jose City Council Tuesday postponed a decision on a proposal for parking rate hikes and extended enforcement hours until after its summer recess in August. Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 24 June 2026 Biotin, probiotic ferments, and Korean botanical extracts support stronger, healthier-looking hair, while the lightweight formula smooths and softens without sacrificing volume. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026 The franchise passed the $1 billion mark at the global box office last week, putting an exclamation mark on the sequel’s surprisingly strong theatrical run. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for strong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong
Adjective
  • From their beginnings in the early 1990s, Failure have attracted admirers to their muscular, celestial sound, including Tool’s Maynard James Keenan and Paramore’s Hayley Williams.
    Steve Appleford, SPIN, 16 June 2026
  • His torso and thighs grow eye-poppingly muscular beneath their skimpy fur-and-leather togs—a development that does not go unnoticed by a warrior named Red Hair, who plucks the young hunk from his post and tosses him into the prime time of the gladiator pit.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Labour’s powerful National Executive Committee, which blocked a previous attempt by Burnham to run for parliament, cleared him to stand.
    Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
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, 19 June 2026
  • Serving tray for entertaining $25 to $50 This straightforward serving tray is a reliable standard that’s sturdy and comes in seven colors.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • This sweet and spicy guacamole contains chunks of golden mango mixed with a combination of jalapeño peppers and habanero pepper purée, plus onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, and, of course, Hass variety avocados.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 23 June 2026
  • Even the sweet-and-spicy combinations showing up on menus this summer usually start with a base of garlic or ginger.
    Ascend Agency, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Matching your belt, shoes, and purse is an easy way to make an outfit feel intentional and look cohesive, and Swift did so by opting for a similarly rich brown leather style.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
  • Those were his 57th and 58th playing internationally, tying and passing Oliver Giroud for the most in the country's rich history.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Inspired by bare skin, ripe fruit, and long days in the sun, the fragrance pairs juicy fig, pear, and bergamot with creamy coconut, jasmine, vanilla, and musks for a scent that feels like a tropical getaway bottled up.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026
  • The warmer, lower vineyards of San Casciano, nearer Florence, lean towards soft, ripe and approachable fruit.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Canada’s tournament has offered a different, but equally compelling example of home-field advantage.
    Clemente Lisi, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
  • This wasn’t the most compelling matchup at the beginning of the tournament, but chaos has tipped the scales in our favor.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Affordable July 4 destinations July 4 may be a peak travel period, but travelers can still snag some solid deals for a beach vacation.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Plenty of the group stage games have gone 0-0 before players returned to the locker room, but at least solid chances have been created.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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