STRONG Synonyms: 374 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

strong

adjective

ˈstrȯŋ

Definition of strong next

as in muscular

having muscles capable of exerting great physical force I need some strong people to help me move furniture

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as in sturdy

able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure the doctor soon declared her strong enough to go home from the hospital

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as in spicy

having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor the garlic in the sauce is almost too strong that's mighty strong perfume you're wearing

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as in rich

having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) strong coffee

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as in ripe

having an unpleasant smell the dog's strong breath nearly bowled me over

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as in powerful

having great power or influence a time when the country needs a strong leader

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as in compelling

having the power to persuade made a strong argument for starting school an hour later each day

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as in stable

marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion buildings strong enough to withstand an earthquake

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as in solid

not showing weakness or uncertainty a strong belief in the value of hard work

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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

At the end, after shaking out his ponytail, Haaland scored with his locks long and free, like the old muscular superhero He-Man.

— Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
The model here is Law and Order: Spiral balances the muscular doings of a special Paris crime unit with the officious prosecutors who put the bad guys away.

— Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 31 Jan. 2025