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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
  • These can lead to blindness, light sensitivity, cough, shortness of breath, and muscular weakness.4 IgA pemphigus causes eruptions of itchy and painful blisters that appear in circles or clusters on your skin.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 10 Aug. 2025
  • The director’s many fans are anticipating his signature blend of muscular craftsmanship, elegant mise-en-scène, psychological intensity and moral ambiguity.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Google has also begun rolling out two powerful filters for album searches.
    Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
  • But when a powerful international corporation begins stealing people’s time, the world around her changes.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The immolation of the Bronx was all the more staggering because, a generation before, it had been filled with upwardly mobile residents in sturdy homes.
    Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
  • For five rounds, Chimaev rag-dolled a massive and sturdy champion in Dricus Du Plessis en route to a decisive victory (50-44 x3).
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • But now this metropolis of some 2 million people has more and more options for later in the day, ranging from an intimate dining counter where a local chef nerds out about indigenous ingredients to a sleek izakaya bar where the city’s scene-seeking gastronomes gather for spicy tuna hand rolls.
    Ann Abel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Guests can choose traditional, sweet and spicy, buffalo, ranch, or lemon pepper.
    Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, 19 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The whiskey features rich aromas of vanilla, pipe tobacco, old leather, and cinnamon.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Shot over three years on a vintage Bolex camera, the film is a rich portrait of an elderly, unnamed woman who, born in a cave more than 60 years ago, now lives in a village caring for her children and grandchildren.
    Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Nate Bellinger, an attorney with Our Children's Trust, said Wisconsin laws are ripe for a challenge.
    Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 22 Aug. 2025
  • Only 1/3rd of households have only one car, so 2/3rds are ripe for car replacement at the right price.
    Brad Templeton, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Having grown up just outside the city—and after a professional chapter in New York—he’s returned to find a design scene that’s evolved in compelling ways.
    Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2025
  • While Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles isn’t quite ready to say whether there’s now a choice to be made between Bridgewater and Trask, Bridgewater’s performance less than two weeks after signing provided pretty compelling evidence that there’s still plenty left in the 32-year-old’s right arm.
    Will Graves, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Frank has also tinkered with the team’s structure out of possession, giving them a more solid base to press high up the pitch without as many holes.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Ward was solid in his preseason debut vs. the Bucs last week, completing 5-of-8 passes for 67 yards.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

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