stalwart

1 of 2

adjective

stal·​wart ˈstȯl-wərt How to pronounce stalwart (audio)
: marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit
stalwart common sense
stalwartly adverb
stalwartness noun

stalwart

2 of 2

noun

1
: a stalwart person
2
: an unwavering partisan

Did you know?

Sometime in the 15th century, English speakers began to use stalwart in place of the older form stalworth. Although stalworth is now archaic, it laid the groundwork for today's meaning of stalwart. During the 12th century, forms of stalworth began to be used to describe strongly built people or animals (a meaning stalwart carries). It also came to be used as an adjective for people who showed bravery or courage (likewise a meaning passed on to stalwart). So, in a way, stalwart has been serviceable in keeping the spirit of stalworth alive. This character of stalwart is true to its roots. Stalworth came from the Old English word stǣlwierthe (meaning "serviceable"), which, in turn, is thought to come from terms meaning "foundation" and "worth."

Choose the Right Synonym for stalwart

strong, stout, sturdy, stalwart, tough, tenacious 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

stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

tough implies great firmness and resiliency.

a tough political opponent

tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

Examples of stalwart in a Sentence

Adjective their strong and stalwart son the stalwart soldiers in the army of Alexander the Great, who willingly followed him to the ends of the known world
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
The new year for brick-and-mortar retailers is picking up right where 2024 left off, as a slew of stalwart brands are set to shutter dozens of store locations amid shifting consumer patterns. Rob Wile, NBC News, 14 Feb. 2025 Other bricks are flying at Denmark, Panama, and Mexico—countries that have been our neighbors, friends, and stalwart allies. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Noun
This group includes high-flying names such as Nvidia, which has been the stalwart of this bull market run. Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 12 Feb. 2025 Presidents nominated whichever party stalwart was acceptable to their base. John Samuelsen, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stalwart

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, alteration of stalworth, from Old English stǣlwierthe serviceable

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of stalwart was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Stalwart.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stalwart. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

stalwart

1 of 2 adjective
stal·​wart ˈstȯl-wərt How to pronounce stalwart (audio)
: marked by outstanding strength and vigor of mind, body, or spirit
has stalwart common sense
a stalwart team of rescuers
stalwartly adverb

stalwart

2 of 2 noun
1
: a stalwart person
2
: a loyal supporter (as in politics)

More from Merriam-Webster on stalwart

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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