Synonyms of sturdiness

sturdiness 1 of 2

noun

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

• reliability
• stability
• strength
• soundness
• durability
• firmness
• dependability
• solidity
• toughness
• cohesion
• solidness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• instability
• insecurity
• precariousness
• shakiness
• unsteadiness
• unsoundness
• weakness
• insubstantiality
• unstableness
• unsubstantiality

sturdy

2 of 2

adjective

ˈstər-dē 

1

as in hardy

able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure

it took a sturdy person to endure the life of a pioneer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hardy
• strong
• rugged
• stout
• tough
• durable
• vigorous
• hardened
• robust
• cast-iron
• healthy
• hard
• stable
• permanent
• toughened
• resilient
• staunch
• hard-bitten
• thriving
• inured
• lasting
• leathery
• tenacious
• muscular
• enduring
• stalwart
• everlasting
• unyielding
• flinty
• immortal
• fortified
• imperishable
• staying
• brawny
• fit
• flourishing
• virile
• tempered
• sound
• prospering
• seasoned
• hale
• husky
• able-bodied
• lusty
• strapping
• annealed
• red-blooded

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• soft
• weak
• delicate
• tender
• worn
• weakened
• fragile
• wasted
• enfeebled
• unsound
• diseased
• infirm
• exhausted
• emasculated
• frail
• sensitive
• puny
• debilitated
• crippled
• incapacitated
• vulnerable
• susceptible
• nonhardy
• temporary
• worn-out
• enervated
• transient
• yielding
• sapped
• perishable
• run-down
• resistless
• mortal
• unresistant

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

• strong
• durable
• stable
• sound
• reliable
• solid
• stalwart
• bombproof
• fast
• dependable
• firm
• tough
• unbreakable
• beefy
• cohesive
• infrangible
• irrefragable

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unstable
• rickety
• weak
• unsteady
• unsound
• infirm
• insecure
• wobbly
• shaky
• unbalanced
• unsubstantial
• tottering
• tottery

3

as in solid

not showing weakness or uncertainty

you'll need a sturdy grasp of the concepts of algebra before you can take calculus

Synonyms & Similar Words

• solid
• strong
• firm
• vigorous
• robust
• powerful
• stout
• iron
• tough
• forceful
• hearty
• lusty
• mighty
• hard
• ironclad
• lively
• unyielding
• brisk
• confident
• energetic
• sprightly
• springy
• spirited
• perky
• secure
• vivacious
• vital
• peppy
• jaunty
• jazzy
• animated
• frisky
• certain
• zippy
• sure
• assured
• sanguine
• sprightful

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weak
• uncertain
• fragile
• feeble
• frail
• limp
• listless
• spiritless
• insecure
• diffident
• wimpy
• weakened
• spineless
• characterless
• effete
• self-doubting
• weak-kneed
• wishy-washy

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

Recent Examples of sturdiness

Noun

Because of their vibrant, distinctive flowers and overall sturdiness, these perennials are far more beginner-friendly than their sometimes-finicky reputation would suggest. — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 12 Aug. 2026

Many high heels rely on metal heel rods for structure, sturdiness, and stability. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026

Adjective

Flavors of plum, dark chocolate, and blueberry are supported by sturdy, yet silky tannins and the finish goes on for what seems like days. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

The SoundLink Flex is sturdy and small enough to toss in a tote, and its sound quality is fuller than its size might suggest. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026