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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 The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025 Gavin Garza, Costa Mesa, RB The junior has carried the momentum from his strong sophomore season into the fall. Dan Albano, Oc Register, 26 Sep. 2025 The original Myslf aroma boasts floral elements with woody undertones, a combination that evoked strong childhood memories for Butler. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025 Modeled after Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Italy, the festival is a celebration of food, drink and the people who make them — with a strong focus on sustainability, culture and connection. Marcus Smith, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong
Adjective
  • He would not be drawn on whether that tension could have triggered a muscular reaction.
    Beren Cross, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Fitness Optimization Runners with strong endurance, aerobic capacity, and muscular strength maintain faster paces.
    Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the picture, a large brown bear stands at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park and Preserve as a sockeye salmon, attempting to make its way over the rapids, lands in the predator’s powerful jaws.
    Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • No matter what someone’s day entails, a sturdy tote bag is sure to come in handy.
    L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
  • If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Le Monde Gourmand's warm yet spicy scent, with hints of nutmeg, sandalwood and musk, is the perfect aroma for sweater weather.
    Staff Author, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
  • People with acid reflux, IBD, or celiac disease may need to avoid spicy foods despite potential health benefits.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Designed with type 3 and 4 curls in mind, the formula not only clears away residue but also nourishes, thanks to moisture-rich ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Boasting striking geological features and containing one of the world’s richest fossil beds, Badlands National Park in South Dakota draws visitors from across the globe to witness its rugged beauty.
    Dave Parfitt, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Spring brings ripe strawberries, while summer is filled with juicy peaches, and fall offers apples and pumpkins.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025
  • Digital settler colonialism renders digital terrain as an extension of physical spaces ripe for colonization, relying on imperial sanction to target anti-colonial subjects and their supporters as enemies that must be neutralized by any means necessary.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Fans are already consuming an increasing number of clips captured on other viewers’ phones, offering unique angles of game-changing plays or gnarly injuries mixed with the fan reactions that make those moments so compelling.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • That’s a compelling, interesting truth to people who are interested in motorsports.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The research team also highlighted that sodium chemistries are attractive, yet sodium solid electrolytes show limited room-temperature ionic conductivity.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025
  • However, if that is not an option, the sheriff's office suggests immediately getting inside a vehicle or a solid building with a roof once thunder is present.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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