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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
  • Leading clinicians are combining pharmacologic tools with root-cause strategies, starting with metabolic health, hormone balance, nervous system regulation and muscular integrity.
    Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • Speaking to reporters at an event in Tampa, DeSantis touted the state’s muscular approach to immigration enforcement and its willingness to help President Trump’s administration meet its goal of more than doubling its existing 41,000 beds for detaining migrants to at least 100,000 beds.
    Kate Payne, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The impact of this powerful novel is heightened by Golden Voice narrator Nicholas Boulton’s keen understanding of its author’s purposes.
    AudioFile Magazine June 27, Literary Hub, 27 June 2025
  • This collection is a powerful vindication for those of us who have been wearing shorts almost all through the fashion weeks this season.
    Vogue, Vogue, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The tune, a collaboration with Bruno Mars — whose presence surely helped the cut not only become a high-rising win but also a sturdy one — has now spent 34 weeks on the competitive tally.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Ideal for making holes in the ground, transferring plants, and softening up soil, the tools are manufactured from sturdy carbon steel but are also lightweight and easy to manipulate.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool across seven days from the end of November looks particularly spicy.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • Both of our children were a week past their due dates… so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn’t work - there was only one thing left to do!
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • This rich cream also has panthenol and niacinamide for a smooth and bouncy complexion.
    Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025
  • Now, four years later, 40 square miles of river-floodplain wetlands are now rehydrated, rich wildlife is starting to come back, and the wild system proved its value during 2022’s Hurricane Ian.
    Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2025
Adjective
  • This is a fruit ripe for picking and every investor, private-equity firm and sovereign wealth fund looking for a prize asset in the world’s most popular domestic football league has kicked the tyres at Spurs, taken the tour and run the numbers.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • If the leaf comes out with minimal resistance, the fruit is probably ripe.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • But perhaps most compelling of all is what Katie Waldegrave and Laurie Kilby hear from the children themselves.
    Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes.com, 19 June 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.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 19 June 2025
Adjective
  • The usually heady, efficient team struggled to make shots, take care of the ball and string together solid defensive possessions.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
  • But for a reporter without solid immigration status the outcome can be deportation.
    Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 28 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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