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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
Adjective
  • Left behind by the president’s muscular new approach are thousands of women and children – some of them American citizens – who now face the loss of family and faith in the promise of a better life in the United States.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Young children who previously would have been condemned to certain death at the hands of a rare disease, such as severe spinal muscular atrophy, now have a chance at life.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • It’s built from a sturdy metal base with a solid wood and plywood frame and has a swivel design that rotates 360 degrees.
    Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Linus Ullmark’s sturdy play in net is a major plus.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The spicy salsa and tangy cucumber salad brought out the best of the tender birria.
    Jessica Boehm, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The finish is long and flavorful, with a lingering spicy aftertaste of cinnamon and clove notes.
    Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • As winds churn up cold water off the Southern California coast, sediment rich in nutrients is swirled up from the ocean floor and becomes feed for smaller creatures in the water who are eaten by larger ones like pelicans, whales and all kinds of fish.
    Stephanie Elam, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Louise insisted the show didn’t make the cast rich.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The table above suggests that the conditions are ripe for another price crash, albeit perhaps a fender-bender.
    Michael Lynch, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Once ripe, they can be consumed in various dishes, like salads and guacamole, or on their own.
    Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Trump administration has taken steps and made claims that clash with legal opinions issued by a traditionally powerful agency that is part of the Justice Department, the Office of Legal Counsel.
    Charlie Savage, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The Tar Heels product is the type of runner Jim Harbaugh loves for his offense: north-to-south, powerful, ability to fight through tackles and pick up positive yardage.
    Fox News Staff, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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 celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • However, doing so makes for a more compelling Pixel 9a launch and will presumably tempt more users to upgrade.
    Paul Monckton, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Pair it with a solid set of dinnerware and let your party guests fight over who gets the special plate.
    Erika Owen, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Arsenal comes in with solid form, having no losses in their last six matches, going 2-2-0 in the Premier League and 1-1-0 in the Champions League.
    Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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