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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 sturdy Biking is smooth and the frame is sturdy, heavy and durable enough to handle rigorous cycling. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025 Most hiking boots achieve their waterproofing through a combination of construction and a durable water-resistant layer, and a sturdy pair of boots will usually outlast their waterproofing by years. Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2025 Crafted from lightweight, sturdy beechwood, this pro-kneading, lymphatic-draining tool is designed with soft, rounded edges that make for comfy gliding across your skin (go ahead and pair it with a serum or lotion for extra slip). Allure, 14 Apr. 2025 It’s built from a sturdy metal base with a solid wood and plywood frame and has a swivel design that rotates 360 degrees. Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sturdy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdy
Adjective
  • The mountain hydrangea is hardy in zones 6a to 9b and prefers a woodland placement with dappled light.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025
  • According to the company, the rose bushes are hardy to planting zones 5-11.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Apr. 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
  • Available in solid and floral designs and in a wide variety of sizes (from extra small to 2XL), it can be worn as a beach cover-up or dressed up with sandals and jewelry for a night out.
    Terri Peters, Parents, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Trump's tariffs roiled markets but data shows a solid economy.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Premiering April 20 on Nat Geo and streaming April 21 on Disney+ and Hulu, the three-part series is a visual triumph made possible by engineering grit, field science, and the kind of rugged tech innovation typically reserved for space exploration.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Unveiled at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, this futuristic machine is built to handle rugged terrain with ease, combining cutting-edge robotics and sustainable energy.
    Fox News Staff, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Original price: $1,076 (Wayfair) Adirondack chairs are comfy and stylish chairs that are especially durable.
    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, 26 Apr. 2025
  • That includes the light-emitting diodes, the circuit boards and the durable metal housing that protects the lights in news vans and on film sets.
    Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The dynamic play on the field, though, was only part of the impact Barron made during his transformative final season at Texas, the one that set him on a firm path to the first round.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • New federal rules mandate firmer construction, safer strap guidelines, and clearer warnings to ensure nursing pillows are used correctly.
    Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 28 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jay Toia, DT, UCLA A prospect who easily could have been drafted in the fourth round, Toia is a stout, wide-bodied run defender who can stack and shed the point with ease.
    Dane Brugler, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • And, just as with the first twister, a small nub started dropping and circulating from the wall cloud, but was shaped more like a stout stovepipe.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Deployments to the region are a demonstration of Australia's resolve to support an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
  • This channels air from the front to underneath, then over the hood and windscreen to keep it stable.
    Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sturdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdy. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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