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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 Inversion, now 60 employees strong, aims to fly Arc’s first mission by 2026. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2025 The poll, which has a margin of error of 3 percentage points, also asked about specific sanctions, revealing strong support for all of them. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025 In fact, the evidence for a connection between fevers during pregnancy and autism is actually far stronger than any study connecting acetaminophen and autism. Tami S. Rowen, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025 The strong performance gives him another reason to allow the shutdown to continue and the reduction in force to go through. Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong
Adjective
  • But what a response — a performance full of waspish pressing, muscular defending and precise, efficient counters.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The demands, which are not just muscular and cardiovascular but also neurochemical, make the early months of training a totalizing experience.
    Dan Brooks, The Atlantic, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Oxygen bleach soaks—Oxygen bleach (not to be confused with chlorine bleach) is a gentle yet powerful whitening agent.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The lone crack in Yesavage’s sturdy exterior came in the first inning.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike other game-day snacks like chips or popcorn, where flavors and textures can get a little one-note after a while, ALDI’s Cajun Trail Mix keeps your taste buds entertained with different flavors—salty, sweet, and spicy—and different textures, too.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The sandwich options vary by protein, with choices including Spam, bacon, ham and spicy pork.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Being part of this team, there’s so much rich history.
    Scott Powers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The cool colors seemed colder, the warm ones red-hot, and the subtle gradations across the spectrum were seemingly infinite and filled with rich detail.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There's nothing quite like biting into a sweet, perfectly ripe pear.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2025
  • That’s followed by baklava, ripe apricot, crème brûlée, and Cognac on the palate, with a finish of rum raisin cake.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • This new Taiwanese series looks compelling.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
  • That's what makes the minerals Perseverance spotted — particularly greigite in the leopard spots — so compelling.
    Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • SanDisk — The maker of solid state drives jumped 10%, adding to its massive gains.
    Fred Imbert, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Chris Copeland, Justin Copeland) Student Shorts With solid storytelling and emerging vision, these films represent a broad range of categories including live-action, narrative, documentary, and animation.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on strong

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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