sturdiness 1 of 2

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

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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

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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
Adjective
The whole set is easy to assemble and sturdy enough for high-energy cats. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025 The non-slip wheels are gentle on indoor floors, and the sturdy build can withstand roughhousing. Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 10 July 2025 Snag an elegant gold floor lamp that’s sleek and sturdy, long-lasting planters that are both fade- and chip-resistant, and outdoor lights that are perfect for lining walkways, garden beds, and patios. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025 The Gritti’s dock-manager to Grazer’s left, foreground right in the shot, may be suspicious that his sturdy right elbow, offered for support during that parlous little leap from land to sea, is being roundly ignored. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sturdiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdiness
Noun
  • What are your compliance and reliability requirements?
    Alex Gudilko, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
  • The disinformation campaign was therefore not only aimed at an aircraft, but more broadly at a national image of strategic autonomy, industrial reliability and solid partnerships.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • For a hardy perennial that grows in areas where many plants fail, plant hellebores.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Exceptionally hardy, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, bearded irises are one of the easiest perennials to grow in cold-weather regions.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • The screen is solid, the speakers aren't bad, and the cameras are 1080p.
    Nena Farrell, Wired News, 10 July 2025
  • For home improvement fans and DIYers looking to invest in quality power tools, this DeWalt deal is solid.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Others will be looking to you for guidance this month, and your ability to provide stability will set the tone for what’s to come.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 July 2025
  • This often happens to serve decision-makers and stakeholders who want to portray a consistent image of stability and success in order to hasten the inaugural process.
    Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Loro Piana’s Wish Onde Soft also boasts exceptional softness and hairiness, while the new Wish Rice part of the same family is a fancy yarn defined by a rugged, tactile effect ensured by chain-like structure.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 1 July 2025
  • Pictured above is Indonesia’s mountainous Halmahera rainforest, featuring rugged topography shaped by outpourings from the numerous volcanoes that pockmark the region.
    Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Their hexagonal shape prevents rolling, while the durable rubber coating protects floors and minimizes wear and tear on the weights.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
  • This adventure-ready cooler is packed with features, including durable handles, non-slip feet, heavy-duty latches to keep the interior cold, and extra-thick insulated walls for ice retention.
    Kayla Kitts, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, over the July 4 weekend Kenneth and Maria Fishel, the couple behind a New York real estate empire and the firm Renaissance Properties, cohosted an Adams fundraiser in the Hamptons.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 July 2025
  • Stay firm, shorten the backswing and block the ball back, or even chip it.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sturdiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdiness. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.

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