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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 Yet the films themselves may be Neon’s strongest argument. Clayton Davis, Variety, 31 Oct. 2025 Whatever sibling rivalry exists finds a handsome stalemate in this band, each woman’s songs stronger for the harmonies and tag-team company of the other’s. Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025 Apple posted strong guidance and saw huge revenue growth in its crucial high-margin services unit. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025 Let’s hope Stuckmann takes next Halloween off to come back even stronger — on his own terms. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong
Adjective
  • Designed by Hydro Tec, the modern, muscular exterior is characterized by a sturdy steel displacement hull, a distinctive bulbous bow, and a lightweight aluminum superstructure.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025
  • In the after photo, the actor shows off his muscular physique in shorts and a tank top.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Day Vacuum Deals Refreshing your space should always start with a deep cleaning, which requires a powerful vacuum.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Vinicius Jr ranks as the fourth-fastest player in La Liga per SkillCorner’s PSV-99 metric so far this season, while both Federico Valverde and Alvaro Carreras are powerful off-ball runners out wide.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Designed by Hydro Tec, the modern, muscular exterior is characterized by a sturdy steel displacement hull, a distinctive bulbous bow, and a lightweight aluminum superstructure.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Tender and with just a hint of salinity, fresh hauls come in from just off the coast and are served brilliantly with salad and spicy butter.
    Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Buttery and packed with spice, the Cajun compound butter really takes this turkey to the next level without being overly spicy.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The magic behind this set is its 100% mulberry silk design, which keeps you feeling cool, clean, and rich all night long.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Equally important is soil microbiology, treating soil as a living organism, rich with fungi, microbes, and nutrients that sustain everything above ground.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Turns out, the ideal conditions for this particular orchid are also ripe for a woodpecker comeback.
    Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 30 Oct. 2025
  • Carlson said residents can eat the food grown at the garden after gardeners harvest the ripe fruits and vegetables and take it to a center on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Sea Gull Way.
    Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 29 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Beto and Thierno Barry have scored one league goal between them and neither has made a compelling case for regular starts.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Staff Author, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Scott Parker’s team possess all of the qualities that Vincent Kompany’s side lacked — a solid defensive foundation, togetherness, fighting spirit, and valuable top-flight experience led by example from defender Kyle Walker and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Certain closet staples are well worth investing in, but finding comparable styles at a more affordable price point can make building a solid seasonal wardrobe more realistic.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.

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