strong

adjective

ˈstrȯŋ How to pronounce strong (audio)
Definition of strongnext
1
as in muscular
having muscles capable of exerting great physical force I need some strong people to help me move furniture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in powerful
having great power or influence a time when the country needs a strong leader

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure the doctor soon declared her strong enough to go home from the hospital

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in spicy
having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor the garlic in the sauce is almost too strong that's mighty strong perfume you're wearing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in rich
having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) strong coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in ripe
having an unpleasant smell the dog's strong breath nearly bowled me over

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in compelling
having the power to persuade made a strong argument for starting school an hour later each day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in stable
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion buildings strong enough to withstand an earthquake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in solid
not showing weakness or uncertainty a strong belief in the value of hard work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Try This Instead

For
Try This
strong evidence
substantial evidence
clear evidence
extensive evidence
compelling evidence
convincing evidence
strong feelings
intense feelings
passionate feelings
powerful feelings
heightened feelings
profound feelings
strong opposition
significant opposition
robust opposition
firm opposition
staunch opposition
considerable opposition
a strong relationship
a positive relationship
a sturdy relationship
a solid relationship
a close relationship
a tight relationship
strong winds
ferocious winds
damaging winds
high winds
heavy winds
rough winds

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 Today, though inflation’s back in our future, the big selloff launched a new era of strong real returns. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2023 Hiring remained strong last month as employers added 233,000 jobs and wages grew a robust 4.6% compared to a year earlier. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2023 Carry it by hand or use the shoulder strap that attaches with strong metal buckles (not pictured). —Jessica Hartshorn, Good Housekeeping, 12 Jan. 2023 Deadwyler’s performance has had a strong effect on audiences. —Caryn James, Town & Country, 12 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for strong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong
  1. muscular
  2. powerful
  3. sturdy
  4. spicy
  5. rich
  6. ripe
  7. compelling
  8. solid
Adjective
  • The Aston Martin Formula One team has confirmed that Fernando Alonso will not be taking part in the Hungarian Grand Prix Free Practice 1 session due to a muscular injury in his back.
    — Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers this week continued tests of a possible alternative countermeasure to muscular atrophy.
    — Robert Z. Pearlman, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of muscular
Adjective
  • The World Meteorological Organization confirmed a new world record for lightning discharge distance The powerful lightning bolt, also known as a megaflash, stretched 515 miles from eastern Texas to Kansas City, Mo.
    — Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • On July 29, the Kamchatka Peninsula in eastern Russia experienced one of the 10 most powerful earthquakes since 1900.
    — Austin Corona, AZCentral.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Definition of powerful
Adjective
  • That’s where Baker and his team got the idea to find the sturdiest survivors and interbreed them with their Florida siblings.
    — Alex Harris July 25, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025
  • Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until this storm passes.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • Popeyes Offers for Popeyes reward members include a free six-piece purchase with any $5 purchase and free six-piece spicy bone-in wings with the purchase of any wing order.
    — Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 29 July 2025
  • That's right — after a full season of Hot Topics, spicy cohost clashes, high-profile political guests, and even courting pointed responses from the White House, The View talk show stars have gone off the air for the year.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of spicy
Adjective
  • My Feelings is a rare kind of film: emotionally rich, effortlessly paced and surprisingly funny.
    — Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Terra-cotta Tiles Terra-cotta tiles are rich, rustic, and wonderfully versatile.
    — Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
Definition of rich
Adjective
  • Cox sold the Statesman but retained ownership of its 18.9-acre site, a property many developers had long coveted and said was ripe for new development.
    — Shonda Novak, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • The tomato was ripe, the onion slices added bite and the tuft of alfalfa sprouts was fresh and earthy.
    — Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025
Definition of ripe
Adjective
  • For example, an account director at an ad agency who feels valued at work is more likely to have a positive experience with a client and generate more compelling work for that client, thus resulting in that client staying with that agency long term.
    — Greg Dolan, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • The Sirens is a compelling mix of contemporary, historical, and speculative fiction told through multiple points of view, mysterious dreams, and magical revelations.
    — Kalie Cassidy July 25, Literary Hub, 25 July 2025
Definition of compelling
Adjective
  • King, a seventh round draft pick in 2024, appears to have a solid chance to make the roster after spending last season on the practice squad.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2025
  • This lunar flyby presented the first opportunity to test the performance of JUICE's instruments on a solid surface in space, representatives from the European Space Agency (ESA) said in a statement.
    — Brandon Specktor, Space.com, 2 Aug. 2025
Definition of solid

Phrases Containing strong

Browse Nearby Words

strolls
strong
strong-arm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on strong

Nglish: Translation of strong for Spanish Speakers

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
iykyk if you know you know slang written in a neon
Quiz: Abbreviation Station TFW you have to figure out what 15 abbreviations ...
See All