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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

sturdy

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adjective

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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
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
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
Noun
  • At the same time, a 12-month clinical trial out of Penn State just confirmed that eating prunes daily can help preserve bone strength in postmenopausal women.
    Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
  • But strength and resilience aren't just themes in her magazine.
    Mikayla Price, CBS News, 4 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sturdiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdiness. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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