stalwart 1 of 2

1
as in valiant
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament the stalwart soldiers in the army of Alexander the Great, who willingly followed him to the ends of the known world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
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stalwart

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stalwart different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stalwart are stout, strong, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When is it sensible to use stout instead of stalwart?

The meanings of stout and stalwart largely overlap; however, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

Where would strong be a reasonable alternative to stalwart?

The synonyms strong and stalwart are sometimes interchangeable, but strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms
the defense has a strong case

In what contexts can sturdy take the place of stalwart?

While the synonyms sturdy and stalwart are close in meaning, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When can tenacious be used instead of stalwart?

The words tenacious and stalwart can be used in similar contexts, but tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

When is tough a more appropriate choice than stalwart?

In some situations, the words tough and stalwart are roughly equivalent. However, 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 stalwart
Adjective
Ex-Regis Jesuit star Dallas Macias is an outfielder for Oregon State, and UCLA catcher Cashel Dugger, a one-time Valor Christian stalwart, starts for the Bruins. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 13 June 2025 Bruce Springsteen, that liberal stalwart, kicked off his tour with an anti-Trump sermon; stars such as Doechii and Lady Gaga have made awards-show speeches in support of immigrants, trans people, and protesters. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
Noun
Blue metal boxes on posts line the roadway, a slot beckoning a few coins to the Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation, named for the cleric who, in 1979, turned Iran from Israel’s stalwart ally to its implacable foe. Karl Vick, Time, 13 June 2025 The biggest obstacle in the Senate may not be Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) or stalwart deficit hawk Rand Paul (R-Ky.), but rather Elizabeth MacDonough. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • Still, Jurassic World Rebirth makes a valiant effort to put its own terrifying spin on the source material.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 3 July 2025
  • Despite his valiant efforts, however, Gi-hun doesn’t make it out of this story alive.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 28 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
  • Seek shelter in a sturdy structure until the storm has passed.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2025
  • The company's results expectations are influenced by tariff disruptions, mixed performance among business units, and uncertain aluminum demand—slightly offset by sturdy alumina margins and effective internal cost management.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The 33-year-old state assemblyman has ensnared a wide net of seasoned billionaires and enthusiastic young activists, presented as a regular New Yorker who lived in Africa as a child.
    Alexandra Bregman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Environmental activists joined the debate to block attempts to lower customer costs by reducing the $1 billion the state collects through the public benefits portion of bills and on Monday voiced support for Gillett.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • Just in time for Mercury retrograde to begin on July 18, the messenger planet will backspin through your second house of self-worth and value systems, encouraging you to speak up and be more courageous and authentic about your heart’s desires.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 10 July 2025
  • Be courageous and walk up to people who seem interesting.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Urine travels from the kidneys through muscular tubes called ureters to the bladder.
    Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 4 July 2025
  • Overall, mobility suffers and injury risk increases as your body reacts to increasing core instability by creating protective tension and muscular compensations — often straining the lower back.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • The President’s supporters have expressed anger and frustration over how the Administration has handled the case in the wake of the move.
    Chantelle Lee, Time, 14 July 2025
  • Ryan was the sole supporter of his family at the time of his death, per the fundraising page.
    Toria Sheffield, People.com, 13 July 2025
Adjective
  • These brave men and women conducting rescue operations have saved many people but sadly, there have also been at least 50 fatalities reported, including 15 children as of Saturday night.
    Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • Create Brave Spaces Many have heard of safe spaces – where people feel protected and comfortable being themselves – but brave spaces take this to the next level.
    Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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