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as in valiant
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament stout souls who boldly ventured forward, not knowing what kinds of danger they faced

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of stout are stalwart, strong, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When can stalwart be used instead of stout?

While the synonyms stalwart and stout are close in meaning, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

Where would strong be a reasonable alternative to stout?

In some situations, the words strong and stout are roughly equivalent. However, 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 would sturdy be a good substitute for stout?

The words sturdy and stout can be used in similar contexts, but sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When might tenacious be a better fit than stout?

The words tenacious and stout are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 stout?

The meanings of tough and stout largely overlap; 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 stout The Ravens acquired Johnson in October in hopes of jolting their already stout offense. Ryan Morik, Fox News, 21 Dec. 2024 Facing the stout Penn State defense that had largely kept the passing game in check all game, Leonard threw a perfect pass to a wide-open Jaden Greathouse, who made two defenders fall en route to the end zone for the game-tying score. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025 There won’t be a lack of talent on the field, with both teams being led by their stout defenses. Cameron Teague Robinson and Sam Khan Jr., The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025 Riley Leonard's steady hand and the Fighting Irish's stout defense will be the difference in a tight battle. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for stout 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
Adjective
  • The insulation will keep you warm in below-zero temperatures, while the sturdy rubber soles will prevent you from slipping and sliding on icy terrain.
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2025
  • Loftin Hall itself, the former student dining hall where the museum is housed, is noteworthy on its own, with beautiful Mexican tiles and sturdy wooden beams.
    Pam LeBlanc, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite their stocky size, these large mammals can really move.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 25 Dec. 2024
  • Image The courthouse where Judge Brinkema works — in a section of Alexandria dominated by stocky office buildings — can feel far from the hubbub of nearby Washington.
    David McCabe, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Elena Rybakina made a valiant go of it with a bad back but fell in three sets to Madison Keys. Eva Lys, a lucky loser, ran into the Iga Swiatek buzzsaw and was finished in 59 minutes.
    Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
  • There are no heroes here, no valiant effort to stand up for what is right by waving a flag.
    Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • However, being taller and more muscular comes with greater evolutionary costs, as a male must eat a lot and also be physically healthy both during childhood and as an adult to achieve and maintain such traits.
    Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • According to Transfermarkt, Vitor Reis has been sidelined once in his senior career due to injury — a muscular problem that kept him out of action for three matches.
    Elias Burke, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • That’s a good thing because the brand with the signature bright green paint has lasted decades for a reason - their product is solid.
    Josh Max, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
  • There are parts to this team that work; the rebounding and defense are solid.
    Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Temperature and Humidity Mountain mint is a hardy perennial that can thrive in cold temperatures and hot, humid summers in Zones 4-8.
    Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Jan. 2025
  • These hardy perennials will thrive in outdoor pots well into zone 6. Boxwood Botanical Name: Buxus species and hybrids Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade Soil Type: Moist, well-draining Soil pH: Neutral (6.5-7.5) Boxwoods are hard-working shrubs, providing rich color and year-round structure.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Madonna kept the glam simple with a sleek, thick winged liner and a plump nude lip.
    Rachel Raposas, People.com, 16 Jan. 2025
  • It’s also loaded with moisturizing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamin E, to make sure your lips stay plump and protected.
    Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Allowing those convicted of these crimes to be released early diminishes accountability and devalues the sacrifices made by courageous law enforcement officers and their families.
    Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • For example, a person might intend to be courageous (cognition), but fear (affect) and a fight-or-flight response (physiology) can hinder action (behavior).
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near stout

Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

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