Definition of stoutnext
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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 Pennington and his wife, Babe — the daughter of his meat supplier — moved Damburger to its current spot behind the Shasta County elections office in 1962 and hired Marge Thayer, a stout woman with a bouffant bob who remembered every regular’s exact order, if not their name. Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026 An undersized pass-catcher who can be a stout blocker with a bit of fine-tuning? Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026 He's been deemed good to go and joins a stout rotation that this season will include Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez and Jesús Luzardo. CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026 Keuilian, a stout, bearded fifty-one-year-old, founded Fit Body Boot Camp, a global personal-training franchise, in 2010, and now lives in Chino Hills, California. Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
Adjective
  • The 28-meter (92-foot) tall maypole was lifted horizontally on wooden carts and pulled into the village by two sturdy horses from the local beer brewery.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 May 2026
  • These knives also feature a sturdy spine for extra heft and durability.
    Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026
Adjective
  • That rep, and dozens of others like it, formed the foundation for the Broncos’ interest in the stocky Coleman — their chosen running back among a long list available on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Platform legs give this modern hutch a lighter presence than some of the stocky silhouettes on this list while also providing possibilities for under storage.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Keegan Bradley captained last year's team at Bethpage Black, which had an embarrassing first two days but gave a valiant effort at an unprecedented comeback in Sunday singles.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • That Niall finds Ruben so alluring is natural to Gadd, who believes the notion of a valiant male figure has been bred into everyone via fables and fairy tales.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Then this kid who was my height but much more muscular appeared in the backstop.
    Chang-rae Lee, New Yorker, 3 May 2026
  • Eight muscular feet tall, it is carved from cork and then selectively painted—a distant echo of tribal markings.
    Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 2 May 2026
Adjective
  • This is a solid and affordable Ethernet cable that is sufficient for most homes.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Combined with flexible plan options and solid customer support, Cinch is a reliable choice for anyone seeking affordable home warranties without sacrificing quality.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In addition to being hardy and low-maintenance, spicebush is a beautiful addition to landscapes.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Lavender is a hardy perennial that thrives in full sun with minimal watering.
    Cori Sears, The Spruce, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Packed with multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, this milky lotion promises plump, glassy skin.
    Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Niacinamide helps brighten and even things out, while hyaluronic acid floods skin with hydration for a plump, fresh look.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Many parents are afraid to go on the record against a school or coach for fear of retribution against their son or daughter, so for a teenager to go out on the limb and put himself up to possible ridicule was both stunning and courageous.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
  • However, thanks to the efforts of courageous youth advocates, there is hope in safeguarding youth health.
    Jad Abdel Nour, Hartford Courant, 4 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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