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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 The whole set is easy to assemble and sturdy enough for high-energy cats. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025 The non-slip wheels are gentle on indoor floors, and the sturdy build can withstand roughhousing. Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 10 July 2025 Snag an elegant gold floor lamp that’s sleek and sturdy, long-lasting planters that are both fade- and chip-resistant, and outdoor lights that are perfect for lining walkways, garden beds, and patios. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 July 2025 The Gritti’s dock-manager to Grazer’s left, foreground right in the shot, may be suspicious that his sturdy right elbow, offered for support during that parlous little leap from land to sea, is being roundly ignored. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sturdy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdy
Adjective
  • Exceptionally hardy, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, bearded irises are one of the easiest perennials to grow in cold-weather regions.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2025
  • For a hardy perennial that grows in areas where many plants fail, plant hellebores.
    Lauren David, Southern Living, 6 July 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
  • Business owners already understand the importance of creating a solid business plan from the get-go.
    Hanneke Antonelli, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • But the state’s interdependence on the federal government — an economic boost in most years — leaves its economy on less solid footing as federal budget cuts loom.
    Scott Cohn, CNBC, 10 July 2025
Adjective
  • Outdoor Enthusiasts: The RAV4’s available all wheel drive and rugged design, particularly in Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, attract those who enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and both water and snow skiing.
    Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 13 July 2025
  • Android users get an app and handy features, too, making these more versatile and more rugged than other Apple buds.
    Adrienne So, Wired News, 11 July 2025
Adjective
  • Their hexagonal shape prevents rolling, while the durable rubber coating protects floors and minimizes wear and tear on the weights.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025
  • This is the durable titanium version, available at a nice 20 percent price break.
    Simon Hill, Wired News, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, over the July 4 weekend Kenneth and Maria Fishel, the couple behind a New York real estate empire and the firm Renaissance Properties, cohosted an Adams fundraiser in the Hamptons.
    Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 July 2025
  • Stay firm, shorten the backswing and block the ball back, or even chip it.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 9 July 2025
Adjective
  • The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder needs to be better at anchoring, as he too often was driven into the backfield by stout nose tackles last season.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 9 July 2025
  • Faison rushed for 1,109 yards and eight touchdowns for the Aggies last fall, averaging a stout 5.6 yards per carry.
    Chase Goodbread, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Adjective
  • His early stardom never quite translated into a stable senior career as opportunities dried up in a system overflowing with talent.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025
  • The president further argues that lower rates will make financing the ever-increasing federal debt cheaper, a factor which does not play into the Fed’s statutory dual mandate of ensuring maximum sustainable employment and stable prices.
    Ron Insana, CNBC, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sturdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdy. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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