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as in valiant
feeling or displaying no fear by temperament stout souls who boldly ventured forward, not knowing what kinds of danger they faced

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of stout are stalwart, strong, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When can stalwart be used instead of stout?

While the synonyms stalwart and stout are close in meaning, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

Where would strong be a reasonable alternative to stout?

In some situations, the words strong and stout are roughly equivalent. However, 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 would sturdy be a good substitute for stout?

The words sturdy and stout can be used in similar contexts, but sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When might tenacious be a better fit than stout?

The words tenacious and stout are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

When is tough a more appropriate choice than stout?

The meanings of tough and stout largely overlap; however, tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

Examples 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 stout Defense reigns All four CFP semifinalists have stout defenses. Tim Reynolds, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers snagged one of the last playoff spots in the AFC, thanks to the team’s 10-win and 7-loss record for the season and the team’s stout defense. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 7 Jan. 2025 The odd Thursday afternoon stage was dominated by No. 7 Notre Dame’s stout defense, which was too much for No. 2 Georgia, hobbled by the absence of quarterback Carson Beck, who was injured in last month’s Southeastern Conference title game. NBC News, 3 Jan. 2025 The stout play paved the way for two offensive scores and a field goal as the Broncos outscored the Colts, 24-0, over the final two frames. Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stout 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
Adjective
  • Rows of sturdy two- and three-story flats stand at attention on countless streets.
    Daniel Immerwahr, The New Yorker, 14 Jan. 2025
  • During renovation work, the men’s first team have been moved into the women’s building, with the women housed in a temporary — but sturdy — portable cabin, and the Graduate Lounge has been turned into the academy and women’s teams’ canteen.
    Charlotte Harpur, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite their stocky size, these large mammals can really move.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 25 Dec. 2024
  • Image The courthouse where Judge Brinkema works — in a section of Alexandria dominated by stocky office buildings — can feel far from the hubbub of nearby Washington.
    David McCabe, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Montana State, however, made a valiant comeback effort.
    Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
  • In spite of the leisurely pace of change, To mix valiant drinks for the future.
    Czeslaw Milosz, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The plot of this discovery only thickened upon noticing how bizarrely muscular these dinosaurs’ arms were, as well as their brawny hips.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025
  • The original is still the masterpiece, a film that truly rewrote the rules for the genre, shifting it more to everyman characters like Willis and away from muscular stars like Sly and Ah-nuld.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 6 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Jayhawks hope solid defense translates well on the road Saturday.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 11 Jan. 2025
  • But last year's average of 186,000 new jobs a month still slightly exceeds the pre-pandemic average of 182,000 from 2016-2019, solid years for the economy.
    PAUL WISEMAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, arkansasonline.com, 11 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • For container plants, select species that are hardy to two zones colder than your area to ensure winter survival.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2025
  • Liquid water is essential for supporting all life, even the hardy methanogens.
    Paul Sutter, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Some winners: Hyaluronic acid draws water into the skin to keep it plump and hydrated.
    Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 10 Jan. 2025
  • The ultimate shrimp scampi offers perfectly plump shrimp in a garlicky, lemony, white wine sauce.
    Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 3 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Democratic budget was moved from the House to the Senate, which allowed four courageous Democratic senators who recognized the historic moment for structural budgetary changes.
    Len Fasano, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Joshua Zeman’s documentary chronicles the courageous efforts to save them, first from starvation, then via transport to new homes.
    Dennis Harvey, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near stout

Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on stout

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