stable 1 of 3

1
as in sturdy
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion the observation tower is stable enough to withstand the strongest winds without collapsing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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stable

2 of 3

noun

stable

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stable are durable, lasting, and permanent. While all these words mean "enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established," stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

When might durable be a better fit than stable?

The synonyms durable and stable are sometimes interchangeable, but durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

When is it sensible to use lasting instead of stable?

The words lasting and stable can be used in similar contexts, but lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

When would permanent be a good substitute for stable?

While the synonyms permanent and stable are close in meaning, permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

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 stable
Adjective
Earnings estimates for 2025 have been remarkably stable, within a dollar or so of $270 for the S & P 500 since January. Bob Pisani, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2025 The current administration’s support for hemp through the Farm Bill and subsequent USDA regulations has provided a stable foundation for the industry. Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
In anticipation of further tariffs on European goods, Lilja said he’s been working with his stable of brands on pricing, sourcing and keeping the supply chain flexible. Samantha Conti, WWD, 21 Feb. 2025 Equestrians will love the resort's stables, offering horseback riding and pony rides for the youngest guests. Dyana Lederman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
The horse stables on the property were also reduced to a smoldering pile, though staff were fortunately able to evacuate all of the animals in advance. Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025 Their turn-of-the century stables at Fort Myer are also being renovated. Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stable
Adjective
  • This romantic number takes design direction from a field of blooming cornflowers and is a pitch-perfect match for ballet flats, a treasured pair of kitten heels, or even sturdy and dependable white sneakers — looking flawless in each and every context.
    Stacia Datskovska, WWD, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The exterior is made from a sturdy and durable polycarbonate material that won’t easily wear and tear, even after longhaul travel.
    Megan Schaltegger, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • With protection from the Tropicana Field’s fixed roof, the Rays were protected from the almost-daily thunderstorms that pound the Tampa Bay area in the summer.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • During transport, the slim package prevents the awkward dual-directional bulk of a traditional fixed hatchet while storing the blade more safely.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The bottom line: Volatility — though unnerving — is normal.
    John Towfighi, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Are these normal things to think at this point in a serious relationship?
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The Cubs, though, managed just three hits in the loss, including a single by Seiya Suzuki, who was greeted by constant cheers throughout the game.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Vulnerable seedlings need constant care, monitoring at least every other day to avoid drying out.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The comedian and late-night great was confirmed as host for the 98th Oscars — airing March 15, 2026 — just weeks after emceeing this year’s ceremony.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The longtime host of Kids Baking Championship was nominated for Outstanding Children’s Personality alongside Meryl Streep in the 3rd Annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, which aired on Saturday, March 15.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • L’Oréal is homing on in people aged 60-plus, who today comprise 21 percent of the world’s population, but 28 percent of beauty demand.
    Jennifer Weil, WWD, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Foster families are needed to aid in homing the pets until adoption, officials said.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • State law doesn’t allow health care providers to acquire, replace or add to their facilities and equipment, except in certain circumstances, without approval.
    Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2025
  • As some of America’s biggest and most recognizable companies, CEOs and boards of directors continue to speak out for and against certain social and geopolitical issues—particularly DEI —consumers have begun to draw their own conclusions about how these actions will affect them and their families.
    Doug Melville, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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