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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 Curvaceous yet dominant lines showcase the vessel’s sturdy width, blunt hull, and an unpretentious attitude to exploring. Tristan Rutherford, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025 Any veggie that's long and fairly sturdy when cut is fair game. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025 The Alchemist became known for his sample-heavy work, often mining disco, soul and R&B records from the 1970s and 1980s for snippets that became the foundations of his sturdy but atmospheric productions. Christine Werthman, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025 The good news is that the Avata 2's airframe uses a sturdy polycarbonate material that protects the parts most liable to break—the camera and propellers. PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sturdy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdy
Adjective
  • French Lavender French lavender (Lavandula dentata) is not as hardy as other varieties of lavender, so a vigorous pruning can kill it.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Native to central Asia, oriental poppies (Papaver orientale) are perennials that are winter-hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 3-7.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Washington counts Qatar as a strong Gulf ally.
    Jarrett Renshaw, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The audio-streaming platform has amassed a sizable free cash flow due to its strong revenue growth, a figure that has been boosted by the company's swelling active user base in recent financial quarters.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • And when the second half started, Gay couldn’t turn a solid Commanders drive into three more points, banging the ball off the right goal post.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The company's portfolio includes solid rocket motors (SRMs) ranging from 2 inches to 22 inches in diameter for missiles like the Stinger, Javelin, and air-defense interceptors.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Marswalker has rugged wheels in each corner for gripping the steps, as well as a long antenna to sense angles and heights.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The two largest rams were lying down, seemingly enjoying their cuds and the panorama of Bear Canyon and the rugged San Andres Mountains that stretched beyond them.
    Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The arched metal guardrails add a design-minded detail, while the solid metal frame is durable and easy to assemble.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The beloved brand has been around for over 120 years and has earned a respected reputation for its durable, heirloom-quality cookware that spans cast-iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and more.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet the firm punches above its weight in custody, consistently ranking third behind Coinbase and BitGo.
    Marie Poteriaieva, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Solawave’s LightBoost Wand Activating Serum, which, in its own right, is a powerhouse that takes advantage of growth factors and neuropeptides to make skin firmer and more elastic.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • A lot went wrong for the Chiefs on the evening, but perhaps their biggest issue was their typically stout defense being gashed for 394 yards, with Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert going 25-for-34 with 318 yards and three touchdowns.
    Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The Buckeyes defense looks to be stout again after winning the national title last season.
    Erick Smith, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Any liquid water on TRAPPIST-1 e would be accompanied by a greenhouse effect, which would involve various gases, especially carbon dioxide, keeping the atmosphere stable and the planet warm.
    Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Your core muscles, back muscles, and balance may improve as your body works to remain stable against the extra weight.
    Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sturdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdy. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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