stalwart 1 of 2

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

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

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
Prior to co-founding Bento Box, Kuwahara was a producer on Fox’s animation stalwart The Simpsons, as well as The Simpsons Movie. Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025 Meanwhile, Mary’s mother, Cora, remains a stalwart and comforting presence. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
Even the once-stalwart security of a computer science degree is reportedly under assault, with AI replacing entry-level coders. Emil Steiner, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Ace has been the helpful place in South Milwaukee for decades, but the stalwart hardware store is closing its doors. Erik S. Hanley, jsonline.com, 9 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stalwart
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stalwart
Adjective
  • Despite a valiant comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, which included a run of 19 unanswered points, the early miscues essentially buried Carolina in a hole the Panthers couldn’t fully climb out of.
    DIAMOND VENCES, Charlotte Observer, 14 Sep. 2025
  • His boundless pride in America and his valiant belief in free speech will leave a lasting impact.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Red Rocketeers were looking to bounce back after a tough loss against King Phillip, but the opponent was strong.
    Zachary McMahon, Boston Herald, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Sgarbossa cited strong consumer response, with more than half of accessory sales credited to the new lines.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Fall sowing encourages sturdy plants and earlier blooms, which can be quite beneficial in hot Southern climes.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The sturdy plastic housings resist fading and cracking and are brown in color to blend with most outdoor surfaces.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The university where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot in Utah is set to hold a vigil on its campus, school officials confirmed.
    James Powel, USA Today, 19 Sep. 2025
  • In the days following his killing, conservative activist Charlie Kirk has, in a sense, become all things to all people.
    Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His friendship and courageous toil for the soul of America always spurred me to do more—for our nation and for the kingdom.
    Brooke L. Rollins, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Highlights the power of inquiry and courageous pivots.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Strength training can break you out of that state by building muscular support around joints, correcting imbalances and improving overall stability.
    Dana Santas, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2025
  • City were also without Phil Foden, Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol before the international break, while John Stones withdrew from the England squad due to a muscular injury.
    Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • While his supporters see a pragmatist trying to make the best of a bad decision, his many detractors dismiss him as egotistical and unable to see his failures.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Gueye made amends on 58 minutes, crashing the ball home in front of Everton’s supporters.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The scenes were horrific and the actions to eliminate the terrorists brave.
    Greg Palkot, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Without such equipment an army is helpless, no matter how brave, well-trained, and numerous its soldiers may be.
    John Fischer, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stalwart. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stalwart

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!