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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

Examples 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 Even at unmentionable speeds, reining in two supercars, the E60 felt rock-steady and sturdy. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2024 This should to be relatively thick—think spreadable but sturdy. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2024 Some of the main selling points include the sturdy zipper that didn’t snag once during testing and the 600-fill down for its insulated warmth. Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2024 In the finish, these sturdy tasting notes split open to reveal sandalwood spice that lingers for several beats. Brad Japhe, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sturdy 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdy
Adjective
  • Grains of rocky silica in the plumes suggested the mixtures were created in and around hot, seafloor vents, structures that on Earth provide a home to hardy microbes.
    science.org, science.org, 19 Sep. 2024
  • Overwintering Chocolate Cosmos Chocolate cosmos are reliably winter hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11, where plants die back to the ground in fall and regrow the following spring.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2024
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
  • The 100 denier nylon was plenty hearty for our stress testing as were the large zippers with solid straightforward pulls.
    Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Blackwood was coming off a 44-save performance in the Sharks’ 1-0 win over the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, continuing a trend of solid play.
    Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Truck Ford Ranger: Ford’s popular midsize pickup added a Raptor performance model this year, complementing the rugged looks, utility and advanced features. Ram 1500: Ram’s flagship continues to raise the bar for full-size pickup design.
    Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Made from 100 percent goat suede, the mid-weight Bandera offers a classic, timeless look that blends rugged durability with natural softness.
    Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • For them, a durable carry-on is as essential as a boarding pass.
    Outside Online, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
  • Lost in the bankruptcy restructuring will be home furnishings retailer American Freight, which had been struggling due to macroeconomic challenges in the large durable goods sector, Franchise said on Sunday.
    Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Tannins are firm and precise and the wine’s texture is savory and mouthwatering but silky as well.
    Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
  • The United States should be firm and timely about the outcome, if called upon.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • On the flip side, partly because of game circumstances and partly because of stout defense, the Seahawks have done little damage on the ground against the 49ers, averaging 3.7 yards per carry in the six games.
    Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Give me the 49ers by 10-plus. Titans at Chargers (-7.5) -- Sunday, 4:05 p.m. Everett: Chargers -7.5 L.A.'s stout defense + Justin Herbert = another comfortable victory against an overmatched opponent.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The threats Hamas and Hezbollah posed to Israel allowed Iran to exert power across the region while holding Israelis indirectly at risk, which—combined with Israel’s deterrence in the form of its superior military power—produced a stable equilibrium.
    Carrie A. Lee, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
  • Underfoot, the flexible sole provides unobtrusive support and a stable, comfortable platform without drawing attention to itself.
    The Editors, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near sturdy

Cite this Entry

“Sturdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdy. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sturdy

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