1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Try This Instead

For
Try This
strong evidence
substantial evidence
clear evidence
extensive evidence
compelling evidence
convincing evidence
strong feelings
intense feelings
passionate feelings
powerful feelings
heightened feelings
profound feelings
strong opposition
significant opposition
robust opposition
firm opposition
staunch opposition
considerable opposition
a strong relationship
a positive relationship
a sturdy relationship
a solid relationship
a close relationship
a tight relationship
strong winds
ferocious winds
damaging winds
high winds
heavy winds
rough winds

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of strong are stalwart, stout, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," 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 might stalwart be a better fit than strong?

The meanings of stalwart and strong largely overlap; however, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When would stout be a good substitute for strong?

The words stout and strong can be used in similar contexts, but stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When is it sensible to use sturdy instead of strong?

The words sturdy and strong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

Where would tenacious be a reasonable alternative to strong?

In some situations, the words tenacious and strong are roughly equivalent. However, 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 strong?

Although the words tough and strong have much in common, 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 strong Today, though inflation’s back in our future, the big selloff launched a new era of strong real returns. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2023 Hiring remained strong last month as employers added 233,000 jobs and wages grew a robust 4.6% compared to a year earlier. Max Zahn, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2023 Carry it by hand or use the shoulder strap that attaches with strong metal buckles (not pictured). Jessica Hartshorn, Good Housekeeping, 12 Jan. 2023 Deadwyler’s performance has had a strong effect on audiences. Caryn James, Town & Country, 12 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for strong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong
Adjective
  • That muscular electric motor’s torque is the real difference that makes this E-class a worthy AMG tuner car for those who value the benefits of exemplary performance but don’t need a snarling beast of a high-performance car.
    Mark Ewing, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Erectile tissue expands and contracts based on muscular action.
    Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • These insights shaped every detail of the grill—from the cook engine to the closed cabinet that discreetly hides the gas tank to the sturdy stainless-steel handle, a signature of Weber quality.
    Tim Clark, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The Blue Jackets signed another college free agent on Wednesday, adding stout and sturdy defenseman Caleb MacDonald from the University of North Dakota on a two-year entry-level contract that begins next season.
    Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This venue is open 24 hours a day with a menu of complimentary bar snacks like pretzel bites with spicy mustard, bowls of chili and burgers.
    Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Fiery chili-crisp pasta, spicy cocoa shrimp, beef mala hot pot, and more tingle-inducing recipes.
    Carly Westerfield, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The style is classic yet rustic, with smooth planks, a rich stain, decorative moldings along the rim, and baseboards along the bottom.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Located in the Central Embassy mall, the restaurant specializes in Thai boat noodles—an aromatic soup made with rich, spiced broth, pork or beef, herbs, and the signature ingredient, a little pig or cow’s blood.
    Regan Stephens, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Red flag warnings are issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are ripe for fires.
    JIM VERTUNO, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025
  • There is a certain anime cast to his round face and thick eyelashes, which perhaps are ripe for infantilizing caricature.
    Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Generosity is one of the most powerful ways to cultivate positive emotions.
    Shane Enete, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Ostara invites us to align with its powerful energy, clearing away the old to make room for new growth.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • That is why the idea of a single payment app that streamlines all financial needs is so compelling.
    Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • The long-running series has kept diehard fans hooked for 20 years, with creator Shonda Rhimes perfecting the formula for a delicious doctor drama featuring hot hookups, compelling cases of the week, and shocking deaths.
    Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The outcome is a solid software foundation that allows data scientists and developers to concentrate on creating AI solutions instead of grappling with infrastructure.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • The approach is working with Wallace, a notoriously slow starter, off to a solid beginning to the 2025 season.
    Jeff Gluck, The Athletic, 22 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on strong

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!