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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 Its sturdy canvas ensures durability, while the interior pocket secures smaller items. Jené Luciani Sena 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, 28 June 2025 Abel Ferreira’s team are built on a sturdy defence that has kept clean sheets in three of their four Club World Cup matches, conceding twice in a four-goal thriller against Inter Miami. Liam Twomey, New York Times, 28 June 2025 Lorde dials back the nature themes and acoustic sounds in service to sturdier pop fare and a more approachable façade. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 27 June 2025 The tune, a collaboration with Bruno Mars — whose presence surely helped the cut not only become a high-rising win but also a sturdy one — has now spent 34 weeks on the competitive tally. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for sturdy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdy
Adjective
  • Even grimmer than this, there's no guarantee that the laws of physics are the same in a baby universe as their parent universe, meaning an unpredictable fate and potentially a messy death for a hardy multinaut able to brave a black hole doorway.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 June 2025
  • White Zinnias These hardy flowers from Mexico have had my heart for years; their bold colors simply scream summer.
    Josh Miller, Southern Living, 21 June 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
  • The usually heady, efficient team struggled to make shots, take care of the ball and string together solid defensive possessions.
    Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
  • But for a reporter without solid immigration status the outcome can be deportation.
    Graciela Mochkofsky, New Yorker, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • In Kansas City, the brand-new Museum of BBQ showcases how this quintessential American cuisine is made. Road Cruise Take a road cruise along a captivating northeast loop that’s filled with urban attractions, rugged coasts and gorgeous mountains.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Pictured above is Indonesia’s mountainous Halmahera rainforest, featuring rugged topography shaped by outpourings from the numerous volcanoes that pockmark the region.
    Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • The authentic arcade controls are durable and comfortable for intense sessions.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 26 June 2025
  • The pods themselves are designed to be durable enough to resist ocean corrosion and short circuits, with a lifespan of up to a decade when properly maintained.
    Mack DeGeurin, Popular Science, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in soft, medium and firm options.
    Nora Colomer 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, 27 June 2025
  • The Drive The steering has weight and the ride is firm but not stiff.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Former top recruits Roderick Kearney, a stout (6-4, 307) redshirt sophomore able to play guard and center, and towering redshirt freshman tackle Fletcher Westphal (6-8, 336) will push for a spot in the rotation.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 June 2025
  • Unlike last year’s 40-38 thriller, both teams struggled to break into the end zone, with the pouring rain adding an additional challenge beyond the stout defensive play.
    Marcello Rossetti, Boston Herald, 14 June 2025
Adjective
  • Medics took the two men to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Brooklyn Methodist in stable condition.
    Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
  • One of the victims was in critical condition and the other was in stable condition, McCarty said.
    Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 29 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sturdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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