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as in strong
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion wear sturdy boots because we will be going over sharp rocks and uneven terrain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of sturdy are stalwart, stout, strong, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When might stalwart be a better fit than sturdy?

While in some cases nearly identical to sturdy, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When could stout be used to replace sturdy?

The meanings of stout and sturdy largely overlap; however, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When is strong a more appropriate choice than sturdy?

The words strong and sturdy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use tenacious instead of sturdy?

Although the words tenacious and sturdy have much in common, 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 sturdy?

The words tough and sturdy can be used in similar contexts, but 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 sturdy The sturdy shelves and retro design provide plenty of space for your decorative items or books. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 12 Dec. 2024 It was basically built for travel with its sturdy side zippers, warm insulated interior, and bulk-free design. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2024 The case feels sturdy and has an excellent fit and finish. PCMAG, 6 Dec. 2024 The finish of this stylish little drive is incredibly sturdy and the overall package is small enough to slip into a pocket. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sturdy 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdy
Adjective
  • Volvo leans heavily into its Swedish roots, building hardy machines that can withstand brutal winters in its home country.
    Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 5 Dec. 2024
  • In the garden, winterberry is hardy in a wider range than its evergreen cousin, from Zones 3-9.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • For context, ArcelorMittal revenues grew 45% between 2020-2022, primarily aided by a solid rally through 2021 on account of rising steel and iron ore prices, as well as restocking across the industry.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
  • The taut, real-life tale plays as both a solid, gripping piece of old-fashioned movie-making and an insightful probing of the ways that obsession can twist up a man for good or evil.
    EW Staff, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The West Coast Fishing Club is loved for serving as a rugged haven on British Columbia’s remote ancestral and unceded territory of the Haida Nation in Haida Gwaii, surrounded by dramatic coastal landscapes and teeming with wildlife.
    Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Lightning from rare coastal thunderstorms that rolled over the rugged, unsettled land would strike mountaintops, sometimes igniting a fire.
    Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The best everyday pans are ones that are durable and can withstand cooking over and over again.
    Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Steve Madden Ruskin Black Leather Boots These genuine leather moto boots are durable and chic for styling with dresses and jeans.
    Ali Faccenda, Travel + Leisure, 6 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The attorney graduated from Altoona High School before obtaining an undergraduate degree in history/political science from Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania, his firm states.
    Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Then, place the whole tree over a white sheet, give it a few firm shakes, and watch for any insects that fall off.
    Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Legend’s key to the upset is leaning on its stout defense to limit Cherry Creek’s time of possession.
    Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 6 Dec. 2024
  • Ford has been a stout and disruptive presence on the interior since the very first game of the season, a 22-10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Scoop City Newsletter Free, daily NFL updates direct to your inbox.
    Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Emotional readiness might include feeling stable, curious about new opportunities or prepared for structured routines.
    Diane Winiarski, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Generally speaking, hormonal imbalances don’t lead to stable emotions.
    Jeanne Ballion, Vogue, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near sturdy

Cite this Entry

“Sturdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdy. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on sturdy

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