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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 That choice sparked debate over whether the Federation was overlooking films with strong international festival momentum. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025 Effective cyber governance necessitates strong public-private collaborations, common norms, and ongoing communication. Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 Hamas has issued its strongest warning about the fate of the remaining Israeli hostages amid Israel’s Gaza City offensive. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2025 In fact, today, the Florida insurance market is in its strongest financial position in more than a decade. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong
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
Adjective
  • Experts who regularly advise the committee, and representatives from powerful organizations such as the American Medical Association, pushed back hard against such statements.
    Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Following his groundbreaking win, DiMarco launched the Nyle DiMarco Foundation and remains a powerful advocate for deaf culture and representation in film and TV.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 20 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
Adjective
  • Earlier this year, Wingstop added crispy chicken tenders to the menu alongside a dozen flavors such as Hawaiian, Cajun, Louisiana rub, spicy Korean Q, atomic, garlic parmesan, lemon pepper, and mango habanero.
    George A. Paul, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Its 3 most popular items served are its signature dish, the avocado smash, its warm chicken & ancients grain bowl, and its Bluestone burrito with spicy potato wedges.
    Gary Stern, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In addition to grape stem cells, the fast-absorbing spray includes caffeine and antioxidant-rich arugula leaf extract to help keep fallout at bay.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Key Takeaways Chia seed pudding is rich in fiber and omega-3s, which support satiety, digestion, and heart health.
    Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Skorup suggested that the public interest standard was ripe for a challenge, given the current court’s skepticism of broad regulatory power.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 Sep. 2025
  • By the mid-Aughts, the deindustrializing superpower, committed to forever wars abroad and extreme inequality at home, was ripe for Trumpism.
    Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 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.
    Abigail Adams, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2025
  • Chunk brings a compelling storyline to this year's competition.
    Bill Chappell, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Between its solid ride quality, athletic power, and surprisingly fun handling dynamics, the 2025 Audi S5 is a solid modern European sports sedan.
    Peter Nelson, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Shortly after taking the position, McMahon, who comes from many years of experience in the private sector, noted that DOGE was conducting a solid audit of the agency.
    Arthur Jones II, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.

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