sturdiness 1 of 2

Definition of sturdinessnext
as in reliability
the ability to withstand force or stress without being distorted, dislodged, or damaged demonstrated the suitcase's sturdiness by dropping it from a third-floor window

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sturdy

2 of 2

adjective

1
2
as in strong
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion wear sturdy boots because we will be going over sharp rocks and uneven terrain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sturdy different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sturdy are stalwart, stout, strong, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When might stalwart be a better fit than sturdy?

While in some cases nearly identical to sturdy, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When could stout be used to replace sturdy?

The meanings of stout and sturdy largely overlap; however, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When is strong a more appropriate choice than sturdy?

The words strong and sturdy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use tenacious instead of sturdy?

Although the words tenacious and sturdy have much in common, 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 sturdy?

The words tough and sturdy can be used in similar contexts, but 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 sturdiness
Noun
Tomatomania named the Sart Roloise its Tomato of the Year, praising its taste, beauty, sturdiness, and production. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026 But this tissue’s sturdiness can have downsides. Claire Maldarelli, Scientific American, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
The sturdy, durable case offers a water-resistant fabric, which is great for accidental coffee spills amid the airport security line. Sarah Dimuro, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026 Kunze spoke about keeping your business safe by using cameras and other security measures, including sturdy locking doors and multiple exits. Terri Daxon, Oc Register, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sturdiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdiness
Noun
  • The machine operates with 200 qubits, and Chinese state media reported that key indicators, including the lifetime and reliability of its qubits, have already reached what researchers described as world-class levels.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
  • The Capgemini report suggests that broad adoption is still about seven years out as a result of limitations in dexterity, reliability, cost, safety, and ROI issues.
    Dr. Jonathan Reichental, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Other heuchera species and hardy hybrid plants offer a greater range of colors, although some are not as cold-hardy and are more sensitive to soil and sun conditions.
    Judy Nauseef, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2026
  • As a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures and even frost, DePaola explains, asparagus also thrives in areas with cool winters and warm summers.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 11 May 2026
Adjective
  • Lewis-Skelly and Calafiori continued to provide balance against Atletico three days later, and were also key components to Arsenal’s strong start against West Ham, alongside Leandro Trossard.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • The case that Ashton and Bradley heavily influenced each other is stronger, if also strained.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • That, combined with his previous solid form with AZ in the Netherlands and the 24-year-old’s status as a regular Norway international, should ensure interest.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 12 May 2026
  • The Russian star is coming off a solid bounce-back year, finishing with 19 goals and 42 assists in 56 games.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • By middle school, those gaps can turn into ongoing struggles with engagement and stability.
    Tina Dello Russo, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
  • The vehicle also features a closed dual-chamber air suspension system and dual-valve CCD electromagnetic dampers designed to improve ride comfort, stability, and handling dynamics.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Located on the doorstep of wild and rugged country, King Salmon serves regularly as a refueling stop for hunting parties and as a place to get information on the location and abundance of game.
    Ben East, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2026
  • Developers advertised the rugged mesa—framed by the Santa Monica Mountains to the east and the ocean to the west—as an escape from the dust and noise of the growing city of Los Angeles.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • The sturdy, durable case offers a water-resistant fabric, which is great for accidental coffee spills amid the airport security line.
    Sarah DiMuro, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
  • Best cold press juicers over $200 This is a highly durable powerhouse of a juicer that could last for decades.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026
Adjective
  • Authorities did not give a firm timeline for revoking those orders, but did say that emergency water pickups will continue through that step.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 12 May 2026
  • The company’s growth across three markets reflects a model that scales without losing the responsiveness that defines the client experience at the firm level.
    Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 11 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sturdiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdiness. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on sturdiness

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster