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
This sturdy design comes in nine different sizes and three shapes, including rectangle, round, and runner. Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 5 June 2025 That whiskey is obviously not a single-barrel expression and is bottled at a sturdy 100 proof. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 5 June 2025 The smooth and sturdy wheels roll easily across any surface, and the handle can retract into 12 different positions. Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 It’s got all the gaming-friendly extras; HDR support, DP 1.4, HDMI, and a metal stand that actually feels sturdy for once. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sturdiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdiness
Noun
  • This is a company built on innovation, quality and reliability.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • Boeing’s Dreamliner Boeing’s 787-8 Dreamliner is highly regarded by many aviation experts for its reliability and engineering.
    Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • To restore the balance, residents, farmers and the local school joined forces to bring back a hardy native breed: the Old Norwegian Sheep.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
  • City’s video tribute was a tear-jerker, and less hardy characters than De Bruyne — nicknamed ‘the tumble dryer’ due to his dry (and blunt) approach — would surely have cracked and let the tears roll.
    Sam Lee, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, a couple of the Panthers’ second-year defensive backs had solid showings.
    Joseph Person, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen $16 $14 Amazon $17 Ulta On the hunt for a solid drugstore SPF option?
    Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • Travel photographers told National Geographic the best way to capture the northern lights is by using a wide-angle lens and a tripod for stability.
    Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • The company said an indicator light on the vehicle fails to light up and warn drivers of a traction control system or dynamic stability control system issue, increasing the likelihood of them crashing.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • The unexpected combination of rugged Western elements with sleek swimwear created a striking contrast that resonated with the fashion-forward crowd.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
  • The image of a bourbon drinker has too often been that of a white cis male and his friends hanging out in rugged environments.
    Diana Lambdin Meyer, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Adjective
  • The secret here is Patagonia’s durable spandex jersey blend that stretches with give, hugging in all the right places.
    Kayla Becker, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025
  • The chair features a durable, rust-proof aluminum frame that’s covered in a woven material that’s designed to look like wicker.
    Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Rachel Fletcher, commerce director How firm is the mattress?
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 13 June 2025
  • The firmer the mattress, the softer the topper and vice versa.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sturdiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdiness. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.

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