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
There’s a sturdiness to his game that pops right away, and that usually gets teams’ attention. C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026 Tomatomania named the Sart Roloise its Tomato of the Year, praising its taste, beauty, sturdiness, and production. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 11 Mar. 2026
Adjective
This tier doesn’t include metal shells—that begins with the Pro 5—but Dell's choice of plastic feels sturdy and ready to shrug off daily wear and tear. Charles Jefferies, PC Magazine, 28 May 2026 Golden plumes emerge on sturdy stems in late summer and remain attractive throughout winter. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for sturdiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdiness
Noun
  • The chemistry has therefore emerged as a promising option for large-scale energy storage, where cost, resource availability, and operational reliability are critical factors.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 7 June 2026
  • Its value depends on a combination of its performance on various benchmarks, reliability, latency, context length, integration into business systems, and the skill of the operator.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • This hardy winter plant family doesn’t like to share.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026
  • Aside from delighting the taste buds of curious tourists and hardy locals alike, lobster contributes more than $1 billion to the state’s economy.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • But despite a strong sporting heritage, Panama struggled to translate their success to the football pitch.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • Most other Sacramento-area incumbents cruised to strong leads in their legislative races.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Morris earned his chance in the rotation through solid Triple-A numbers and due to three starters being out of the picture for now.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • Pitch shows that some substances can appear solid in daily life while still flowing over long periods.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Fiscal discipline and monetary institutions that preserve the long-run stability of the dollar can reduce some of the burden placed on price indices by limiting large swings in the value of money.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026
  • After finally reaching a place of stability and peace in his gender identity, temporarily pausing that progress to donate his eggs carried significant emotional weight.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Unpredictable weather and rugged camping conditions add to the adventure rather than detract from it, and the route sits high on many hikers’ bucket lists for that reason.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026
  • Top Gear is alluding to the G-Wagon's legitimate off-roading chops thanks to its ground clearance and rugged build.
    Charles Singh, USA Today, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days is here, offering shoppers a second chance to save on everything from durable luggage and tech accessories to home goods and shoes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • But Khan’s tenure is a reminder that climate policy that actually improves people’s lives can be popular, or at the very least durable, if only it’s given the opportunity to settle in.
    Justin Worland, Time, 3 June 2026
Adjective
  • Shoppers say the pillow is big, firm, and makes a lovely addition to sectionals, armchairs, couches, and other living room furniture.
    Michelle Baricevic, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
  • The firm Cozen O’Connor is representing RCL.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sturdiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdiness. Accessed 11 Jun. 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