STURDY Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'sturdy' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of sturdy are stalwart , stout , strong , tenacious , and tough . While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction. // a sturdy table // people of sturdy independence

Q: When might 'stalwart' be a better fit than 'sturdy'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sturdy , stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability. // stalwart environmentalists

Q: When could 'stout' be used to replace 'sturdy'?

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

Q: When is 'strong' a more appropriate choice than 'sturdy'?

The words strong and sturdy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, strong may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources. // strong arms // the defense has a strong case

Q: When is it sensible to use 'tenacious' instead of 'sturdy'?

Although the words tenacious and sturdy have much in common, tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together. // tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

Q: In what contexts can 'tough' take the place of 'sturdy'?

The words tough and sturdy can be used in similar contexts, but tough implies great firmness and resiliency. // a tough political opponent

sturdy

adjective

ˈstər-dē

Definition of sturdy next

as in hardy

able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure it took a sturdy person to endure the life of a pioneer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in strong

marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion wear sturdy boots because we will be going over sharp rocks and uneven terrain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in solid

not showing weakness or uncertainty you'll need a sturdy grasp of the concepts of algebra before you can take calculus

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of sturdy are stalwart, stout, strong, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table

people of sturdy independence

When might stalwart be a better fit than sturdy?

While in some cases nearly identical to sturdy, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When could stout be used to replace sturdy?

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

stout hiking boots

When is strong a more appropriate choice than sturdy?

The words strong and sturdy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use tenacious instead of sturdy?

Although the words tenacious and sturdy have much in common, 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 sturdy?

The words tough and sturdy can be used in similar contexts, but 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 sturdy Adding an egg yolk helps bind the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar into a sturdy, sliceable base. —

Rachel Dolfi, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2026 Meanwhile, the inside is lined with sturdy organic cotton twill, which withstands wear and tear. —

Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026 While linen and silk are light and airy, some occasions call for a sturdier yet equally breathable option. —

Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Pa’lante combines Heesen’s elegant design DNA with sturdy steel construction, enabling it to travel long distances in style. —

Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sturdy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdy

Adjective

Modales leans into cold-hardy grapes varieties like blaufränkisch, the spicy Austrian red variety that has become a favorite by-the-glass pour at Ox Bar.

— Anna Lee Iijima, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
PeeGee thrives in summer heat and is exceptionally cold-hardy, tolerating full sun and partial shade.

— SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026

Definition of hardy

Adjective

Beyond California, scientists are raising alarms over the planet’s warming oceans, which — coupled with a strong El Niño — could increase temperatures for land dwellers in the coming weeks.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Weather aside, Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Week, running from July 6 to 9, will feature shows from 30 houses, compared with FW25’s 27-strong line-up.

— Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 6 July 2026

Definition of strong

Adjective

Goldin, who appeared in 11 Heat games as a rookie, was very solid on Friday, blocking a shot by Maliq Brown and then blocking a shot on an alley oop.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
Additionally, Thursday morning’s mission was the last to use the Atlas V’s most powerful configuration with five strap-on solid rocket boosters.

— Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026

Definition of solid

Adjective

California is returning a stretch of rugged Mendocino County coast to the Indigenous nations whose ancestors once stewarded its shores.

— Alex Wigglesworth Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 5 July 2026
California is returning a stretch of rugged Mendocino County coast to the Indigenous nations whose ancestors once stewarded its shores.

— Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of rugged

Adjective

These core traits empower marketing teams to build durable success, providing a solid foundation rather than just chasing attention.

— Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Videos of World Cup tourists trying — and raving — about Taco Bell, ranch dressing, even gas station Twinkies, have become the most durable meme of this year’s tournament.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026

Definition of durable

Adjective

La Albiceleste created more chances but could not get past the viral sensation in net or the stout Cape Verdean defense before the halftime whistle blew.

— Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
All of this came after Florida’s four trades for star forward Brady Tkachuk, starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom, backup goaltender Akira Schmid and fourth-line forward Garnet Hathaway to fortify what on paper was already a stout roster.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026