stalwart 1 of 2

Definition of stalwartnext
1
as in valiant
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament the stalwart soldiers in the army of Alexander the Great, who willingly followed him to the ends of the known world

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
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stalwart

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of stalwart are stout, strong, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When is it sensible to use stout instead of stalwart?

The meanings of stout and stalwart largely overlap; however, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

Where would strong be a reasonable alternative to stalwart?

The synonyms strong and stalwart are sometimes interchangeable, but strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms
the defense has a strong case

In what contexts can sturdy take the place of stalwart?

While the synonyms sturdy and stalwart are close in meaning, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When can tenacious be used instead of stalwart?

The words tenacious and stalwart can be used in similar contexts, but 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 stalwart?

In some situations, the words tough and stalwart are roughly equivalent. However, tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

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

Some common synonyms of stalwart are stout, strong, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When is it sensible to use stout instead of stalwart?

The meanings of stout and stalwart largely overlap; however, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

Where would strong be a reasonable alternative to stalwart?

The synonyms strong and stalwart are sometimes interchangeable, but strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources.

strong arms
the defense has a strong case

In what contexts can sturdy take the place of stalwart?

While the synonyms sturdy and stalwart are close in meaning, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When can tenacious be used instead of stalwart?

The words tenacious and stalwart can be used in similar contexts, but 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 stalwart?

In some situations, the words tough and stalwart are roughly equivalent. 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 stalwart
Adjective
Gudas, the Ducks’ captain, was also part of the 2024 triumph for the Czechs and reprised his role as a nasty, stalwart force on the blue line. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026 Advertisement With just over two minutes left, the United States pulled stalwart goaltender Aerin Frankel off the ice, for the 6-on-5 advantage. Sean Gregory, Time, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
Races for the Senate, House of Representatives and Governor were highlighted by an opportunity to replace longtime incumbent Senator Dick Durbin, a liberal stalwart who is retiring since first being elected in 1996. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026 The race pits Mills, 78 and a Democratic stalwart who has the backing of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, against a much younger and far less experienced opponent who has filled town halls across the state with a populist message centered on the cost of housing and health care. ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • Until the lava of the bird’s stomach melts her valiant resins, dissolves her nomadic strength, and transforms her into a viscous secretion.
    María Ospina, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Jaden McDaniels, who had 25 points and valiant defense on Rockets star Kevin Durant all night, started hobbling down the stretch of the fourth quarter and had to be pulled.
    CBS News, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The legislation has stalled amid strong pushback from critics.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Kodai Senga got the ball for the Mets and turned in a strong performance in his season debut.
    James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The inner ball is made from sturdy solid styrofoam.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The meeting opened with a public comment period where several residents and activists chided Snelling and the Police Department and accused them of aiding and defending federal immigration authorities during the monthslong enforcement effort.
    Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Where Days of Ash consisted primarily of songs dedicated to activists who died, including Renée Good and Palestinian No Other Land documentary consultant Awdah Hathaleen, Easter Lily tackles more directly personal territory.
    Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Help keep the center courageous.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Mahajan remains contagiously courageous and (narratively) humble.
    Sibani Ram, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • When muscular coordination, breathing mechanics and mobility improve together, the compensations driving your symptoms can begin to resolve.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Alex Aster Announces New Barbie YA Novel As for Harlan Raker, the tall and muscular knight whom Aris hates, Aster doesn't need to see a new face.
    Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Both Turkish fans described a warm welcome from Kosovo supporters in the capital city.
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Our financial supporters are not involved in any decisions about our journalism.
    Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This brave warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies who were getting closer and closer by the hour.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Enter, a disruptor, bridging the Heat into this brave, new NBA world of the 2020s.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.

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