strong

adjective

ˈstrȯŋ How to pronounce strong (audio)
Definition of strongnext
1
as in muscular
having muscles capable of exerting great physical force I need some strong people to help me move furniture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure the doctor soon declared her strong enough to go home from the hospital

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in spicy
having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor the garlic in the sauce is almost too strong that's mighty strong perfume you're wearing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in rich
having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) strong coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in ripe
having an unpleasant smell the dog's strong breath nearly bowled me over

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in powerful
having great power or influence a time when the country needs a strong leader

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in compelling
having the power to persuade made a strong argument for starting school an hour later each day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in stable
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion buildings strong enough to withstand an earthquake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in solid
not showing weakness or uncertainty a strong belief in the value of hard work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Try This Instead

For
Try This
strong evidence
substantial evidence
clear evidence
extensive evidence
compelling evidence
convincing evidence
strong feelings
intense feelings
passionate feelings
powerful feelings
heightened feelings
profound feelings
strong opposition
significant opposition
robust opposition
firm opposition
staunch opposition
considerable opposition
a strong relationship
a positive relationship
a sturdy relationship
a solid relationship
a close relationship
a tight relationship
strong winds
ferocious winds
damaging winds
high winds
heavy winds
rough winds

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of strong are stalwart, stout, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," 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 might stalwart be a better fit than strong?

The meanings of stalwart and strong largely overlap; however, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When would stout be a good substitute for strong?

The words stout and strong can be used in similar contexts, but stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When is it sensible to use sturdy instead of strong?

The words sturdy and strong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

Where would tenacious be a reasonable alternative to strong?

In some situations, the words tenacious and strong are roughly equivalent. However, 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 strong?

Although the words tough and strong have much in common, 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 strong Today, though inflation’s back in our future, the big selloff launched a new era of strong real returns. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2023 Hiring remained strong last month as employers added 233,000 jobs and wages grew a robust 4.6% compared to a year earlier. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2023 Carry it by hand or use the shoulder strap that attaches with strong metal buckles (not pictured). —Jessica Hartshorn, Good Housekeeping, 12 Jan. 2023 Deadwyler’s performance has had a strong effect on audiences. —Caryn James, Town & Country, 12 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for strong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong
  1. muscular
  2. sturdy
  3. spicy
  4. rich
  5. ripe
  6. powerful
  7. compelling
  8. solid
Adjective
  • Meantime my 12- and 13-year-old boys were now becoming young men, taller and heavier and in some cases impressively muscular.
    — J.T. Barbarese, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
  • These edits were designed to express dire wolf characteristics, including larger size, more muscular build, thicker coat, and distinctive coat coloration.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Definition of muscular
Adjective
  • It’s got all the gaming-friendly extras; HDR support, DP 1.4, HDMI, and a metal stand that actually feels sturdy for once.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 May 2025
  • Subscribers can save up to 76 percent on tons of coveted finds for the holiday weekend, including summer fashion, sturdy luggage, and outdoor furniture.
    — Clara McMahon, People.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • The whisky is robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing baked apple, candied orange zest, fried or caramelized banana, herbal nots of tobacco and anise/licorice, nuts, dark chocolate, seasoned oak, hints of caramel, and spicy hints of cinnamon and clove.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Another hit from the party came from Jar’s Suzanne Tract, who brought spicy shrimp dumplings and kimchi dumplings from Pao Jao Dumpling House started by Eunice Lee and Seong Cho in the food court of the Koreatown Plaza on Western Ave.
    — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Definition of spicy
Adjective
  • Oklahoma City is rich in First American history and culture, and there are myriad ways to connect with it, from authentic Native American restaurants to attending cultural events and shopping at local businesses.
    — Anne Roderique-Jones, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
  • Behind the fizz is a category rich in history, layered with tradition, and increasingly serious about quality.
    — Emily Price, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of rich
Adjective
  • Summer is a season ripe for scandal; people tend to be overheated and understimulated, looking to mist their crisping minds with idle gossip.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 30 May 2025
  • At a time when the salary cap ceiling is taking a significant jump to $95.5 million, the conditions are ripe for upheaval.
    — Chris Johnston, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of ripe
Adjective
  • In April, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and 32BJ, two politically powerful local unions, endorsed Cuomo despite having also pressured him to resign in 2021.
    — Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 3 June 2025
  • There are powerful levers to pull if Trump chooses, like increasing US military aid or imposing tough new sanctions, such as those overwhelmingly supported in the US Senate.
    — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Definition of powerful
Adjective
  • This $150 price drop is a pretty compelling reason to pick one up, whether for yourself or for a grad in your life.
    — & John Mihaly, PC Magazine, 27 May 2025
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up to date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    — Jackie Fields, People.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of compelling
Adjective
  • Per Deadline Hollywood, which first reported the cancellation, viewership for season 3 was still solid but the show slipped out of Nielsen's Top 10 Originals chart quicker than its predecessors, and the decision to cancel ultimately came down to the show's hefty price tag.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 23 May 2025
  • While the bullpen has been a bit of a mess, the starting rotation has been solid.
    — Will Graves, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Definition of solid

Phrases Containing strong

Browse Nearby Words

strolls
strong
strong-arm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on strong

Nglish: Translation of strong for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'Bring' vs. 'Take'

Is it 'used to' or 'use to'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

10 Hella Good U.S. Regionalisms

The Clinical History of 'Moron,' 'Idiot,' and 'Imbecile'

And So It Begins: 9 Words for Beginnings
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All