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

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2
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure the doctor soon declared her strong enough to go home from the hospital

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3
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

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4
as in rich
having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) strong coffee

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5
as in ripe
having an unpleasant smell the dog's strong breath nearly bowled me over

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6
as in powerful
having great power or influence a time when the country needs a strong leader

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

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

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

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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. sturdy
  3. spicy
  4. rich
  5. ripe
  6. powerful
  7. compelling
  8. solid
Adjective
  • The muscular gizzard contains grit pecked up from the chicken’s ground feeding, which is used to crush up the chicken’s food.
    — Josh Miller, Southern Living, 27 Apr. 2025
  • The lack of a muscular public reaction to the AP being under fire from the Trump team has also exposed divisions in the WHCA.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2025
Definition of muscular
Adjective
  • Get to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • It’s entirely made of cotton that has been coated with polyvinyl to create a sturdy material with the look of pebbled leather, which is as water-resistant and stain-repellent as hide.
    — Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • The admirable Kentucky Freedom Run Farm provides the fine, flavorful lamb for a slow braising and sided with a spicy tomato jam risotto, coriander, mint-and-pistachio gremolata and the reduction of the meat’s juices.
    — John Mariani, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
  • His agenda for a perfect day in L.A. includes a boat party, an ice bath and the most glorious spicy shrimp in town.
    — Michelle Woo, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of spicy
Adjective
  • The main living areas are located on the ground and second floors, offering expansive reception rooms, intricate plasterwork, and rich period details that have been carefully restored and elevated under Kime’s discerning eye and commitment to authenticity.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Video Other rich countries have not filled the gap.
    — Declan Walsh, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of rich
Adjective
  • Unity Biotechnology is a leading example, but the space is still early and ripe for newcomers.
    — Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • That means the weather was ripe for fire, and wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour quickly whipped the fire toward inhabited areas.
    — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of ripe
Adjective
  • The death toll from a powerful explosion at Iran's biggest port of Bandar Abbas has risen to at least 40, with more than 1,200 people injured, state media reported on Sunday, as firefighters blast worked to fully extinguish the fire.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The memo is the latest effort by critics of acting D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin to stop his Senate confirmation for the permanent role, which is among the most powerful federal prosecutor positions in the country.
    — Scott MacFarlane, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2025
Definition of powerful
Adjective
  • Either way, there do not appear to be many other compelling paths for either Cargill or Naomi to take after WrestleMania 41 that don’t involve each other.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The Spirit and Pride’s rivalry is quickly becoming one of the most compelling matchups in the league.
    — Asli Pelit, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Definition of compelling
Adjective
  • Center Cooper Beebe provided solid reliability in his rookie season, but how far does his ceiling reach?
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025
  • For now, the economy remains in solid shape by several top measures.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of solid

Phrases Containing strong

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strolls
strong
strong-arm
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Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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