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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 synthesizers are sparse, the bass lines are minimal, the drums are somehow loose and sturdy at once, while the energy shifts from melancholic to serious to hypnotic to playful in the span of an hour. Vox Staff, Vox, 23 Dec. 2024 This material is both strong and sturdy but has the tendency to absorb water. Nicole Pyles, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Dec. 2024 What to know: Hikers should wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sun protection. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 18 Dec. 2024 Huawei says the main foldable display is built on top of a carbon fiber glass plate which helps reinforce the screen, and the hinge connecting the moving parts feel sturdy and reassuring. Ben Sin, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sturdy 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdy
Adjective
  • Stand-up comedian Whitney Cicero, 54, from Los Angeles took to Instagram to reveal all the quirky reasons why her generation (people born between 1965 and 1980) are some of the toughest and most hardy people out there.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
  • Although all the patients ultimately recovered, the mutation represents an unsettling new development in a battle against a tiny but hardy foe.
    Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 18 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
  • Markets are nearing the close of a stellar year driven by a growing economy, solid consumer spending and a strong jobs market.
    Damian J. Troise and Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Learning Foundational Knowledge And Skills Computer science degrees provide our employees with a solid working foundation in computing principles, including software engineering and data structures.
    Steve Taplin, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Part of Butte’s appeal to filmmakers is its rugged natural beauty and the fact that so many of its historic buildings remain standing.
    Janie Osborne, New York Times, 28 Dec. 2024
  • Vista Verde Guest Ranch brings travelers up close to the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies.
    Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Crafted from stainless steel, the lock is lightweight but durable and easy to set up.
    Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 22 Dec. 2024
  • But the best part is that the price tags don’t compromise the quality: many of them rival some of the more expensive counterparts on this list and consist of durable lace, mesh, and silks.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 20 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Its hydraulic steering was extremely communicative, responsive, and busy, relaying every crease in the tarmac at all times — to the point of requiring a firm grip and faster than average hands — just the way any driving aficionado desires.
    Peter Nelson, The Verge, 23 Dec. 2024
  • The report gives fresh voice to allegations of misconduct that have circulated around Gaetz for years, in spite of his firm denials.
    Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The stout play paved the way for two offensive scores and a field goal as the Broncos outscored the Colts, 24-0, over the final two frames.
    Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Some of the past delights have featured a refreshing raspberry beer paired with a lemon dessert or a chocolate stout pint with a crumbly peanut butter cookie.
    Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The other survivor, a 25-year-old flight attendant identified by her surname Koo, is reportedly in stable condition after suffering injuries to her ankle and head.
    Conor Murray, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Believed to be only about five days old, the girl was taken by medics to Jacobi Medical Center and is in stable condition.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 31 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near sturdy

Cite this Entry

“Sturdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdy. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sturdy

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