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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

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 stout The Lions’ run defense is stout, but Jayden Daniels is not a traditional runner, and their pass defense allowed the fifth-most passing yards in the NFL this year. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 17 Jan. 2025 The stout casks contribute creamy roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate flavors from the stout casks, adding depth and complexity. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025 Emmanuel Clase The results speak for themselves: Clase led the American League in saves for the third consecutive season in 2024, protecting the back end of a stout Cleveland bullpen all the way to the AL Championship Series. Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 North Reading’s strength lies in its stout man-to-man defense. Matt Feld, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for stout 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
Adjective
  • This lends a more expensive feel, resulting in a sturdy tablet without being thick or heavy, at 0.3 inch thick and 1.2 pounds.
    Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 6 Feb. 2025
  • This sturdy sideboard is equal parts functional and stylish.
    Shea Simmons, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But the stocky, six-foot-two Aucklander’s addition to the predictions has sparked the bookmakers’ interest.
    Julia Ranney, The Athletic, 13 Feb. 2025
  • This type of dolphin with its stocky body and bulbous head can weigh as much as 1,100 pounds and reach up to 13 feet long.
    NBC Bay Area staff, NBC News, 29 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • To reach him in Crooks Springs, Sara enlists the assistance of a guide named Isaac Reed, depicted by a gritty and valiant Taylor Kitsch, also from Friday Night Lights, who leads their small band in the face of calamities climatic, financial, and violent.
    Michael M. Rosen, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Feb. 2025
  • The valiant rebel who stayed underground during The Macrodat Uprising, sacrificing his own glimpse of the outside world to help others, now appears intent on protecting himself.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 31 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Akanji was taken off at half-time in the midweek Champions League loss at home to Real Madrid and was replaced by Rico Lewis, with Guardiola confirming at full-time this was due to a muscular problem.
    Sam Lee, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Relatively obscure Thracian art, for all its muscular power and authority, is a sobering reminder of our common fragility.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • For his next attempt, Stephon Castle nabbed a solid hammer slam off an alley-oop look.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
  • Eagles defensive linemen Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, who both tallied sacks in the Super Bowl, are expected to sit atop a solid free-agent group that should draw interest from New England.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The plant also will be hardy in warmer zones with higher numbers.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Cockroaches are famously hardy, and this species can survive at least a week, if not more, without food or water (don’t worry: these cyborgs are well-fed on a diet of carrots and apples).
    Anna Funk, Discover Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Argireline can be found in Estée Lauder’s serum alongside AHAs to promote a plump, youthful complexion.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Feb. 2025
  • Get The Recipe 09 of 25 Lemony Shrimp Pasta Flex your cooking expertise with this stunning pasta, featuring plump pink shrimp, sweet fennel, and fresh basil.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The day was saved by advance planning for wildfire mitigation and courageous staff, including security guards and groundskeepers who risked life and limb and remained at the site to fight the deadly blaze.
    Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Click on the video above to see a courageous K9 take her final bow before retirement Need a break?
    Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near stout

Cite this Entry

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

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