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strong evidence
substantial evidence
clear evidence
extensive evidence
compelling evidence
convincing evidence
strong feelings
intense feelings
passionate feelings
powerful feelings
heightened feelings
profound feelings
strong opposition
significant opposition
robust opposition
firm opposition
staunch opposition
considerable opposition
a strong relationship
a positive relationship
a sturdy relationship
a solid relationship
a close relationship
a tight relationship
strong winds
ferocious winds
damaging winds
high winds
heavy winds
rough winds

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 Today, though inflation’s back in our future, the big selloff launched a new era of strong real returns. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2023 Hiring remained strong last month as employers added 233,000 jobs and wages grew a robust 4.6% compared to a year earlier. Max Zahn, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2023 Carry it by hand or use the shoulder strap that attaches with strong metal buckles (not pictured). Jessica Hartshorn, Good Housekeeping, 12 Jan. 2023 Deadwyler’s performance has had a strong effect on audiences. Caryn James, Town & Country, 12 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for strong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong
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
  • For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • The paddles are crafted with a sturdy, lightweight design suitable for players just starting and looking to develop their skills.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • For decor, Pollock says to let bold colors and spicy details bring the flavor.
    Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
  • Rivera, who was known as spicy cheerleader Santana, accidentally drowned in July 2020, after going missing while boating with Josey, her 4-year-old son.
    EW.com, EW.com, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • China has increased coast guard patrols in these waters, which studies have suggested may be rich in oil and natural gas reserves.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
  • Avocados Avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats, and many other health-promoting nutrients.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • The time would seem to be ripe for the release of the aforementioned songs; reps for Cornell and the bandmembers did not immediately respond to Variety‘s requests for comment.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 19 May 2025
  • The Taiwan issue is also ripe for compromise and would strongly enhance a U.S.-China détente.
    J. Tedford Tyler, Time, 17 May 2025
Adjective
  • The annual meeting is an opportunity to celebrate the league's work over the past year, hear from a powerful advocate for Arkansas families and help shape the organization's direction for the future.
    Deb Harvell, Arkansas Online, 11 May 2025
  • Ventura's filing is now widely viewed as the initial string pulled in what has become the unraveling of one of music's most powerful men.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Densmore was a jazz drummer, Manzarek was steeped in Chicago blues, Morrison was a poet with a compelling set of pipes, and Krieger was a flamenco guitarist.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Vanney started with a back five defensive shape in an effort to give his team a solid base to play from and clog the midfield.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • The district will work on the official policies in the upcoming months to have a solid policy by the start of the 2025-26 school year.
    Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on strong

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