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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 toolkit combines software and hardware to strategically reinforce only the most stressed areas of a design with stronger filament while keeping the rest of the part eco-friendly. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025 Parker will play Mary Washington, George’s strong willed mother, while Rodgers will play Sally Cary, the charming beauty of the Virginia gentry who first sees his potential. Alex Ritman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2025 The strong open letter is a unique step from a film festival. Zac Ntim, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025 But the Patriots have added a strong group of transfers themselves, including running back James Pierre, who ran for nearly 1,300 yards at Webb School - Bell Buckle last season. Jacob Shames, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong
Adjective
  • The same can be said of Mescal, who’s already parlayed playing men of muscular physique and melancholy dispositions into above-the-title movie stardom.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The prose is ecstatic and freaky and muscular.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • At each camp, the team leaves behind a small but powerful item, a red card that explains what to do during encounters with immigration officials.
    David Rodriguez Muñoz, Freep.com, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The sturdy steel frame holds up to 650 pounds, while the insulated cup holders cool and keep drinks within reach.
    Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
  • If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The shrimp dumplings are satisfyingly spicy and plump, and the beef noodle soup is comforting and well-balanced, with tender beef brisket chunks.
    Shindy Chen, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • That settles into a spicy suede with cardamom and benzoin, before warming into tonka bean, amber, and musk.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Whole foods rich in natural color are packed with the vitamins and antioxidants growing bodies need.
    Jazmine A. Ortiz, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Romaine lettuce, for example, is richer in nutrients than iceberg lettuce because its leaves let in more sunlight.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • As The Athletic discovered on a recent stroll along the waterfront from the city centre, there’s certainly plenty of land ripe for development.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The moment is ripe for Maduro's fall, and meaningful retaliation is unlikely.
    Kristina Foltz, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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.
    Daniel S. Levine, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
  • By the '90s, hip-hop cemented itself as a mainstream mainstay, and the artists' compelling music videos brought the culture to new heights.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These are available in five sizes, along with plenty of fun patterns, solid colors, and an all-black pack.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Nina Energy turns scraps into solid biofuels and biochar.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on strong

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