strong

adjective

ˈstrȯŋ How to pronounce strong (audio)
Definition of strongnext
1
as in muscular
having muscles capable of exerting great physical force I need some strong people to help me move furniture

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in powerful
having great power or influence a time when the country needs a strong leader

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure the doctor soon declared her strong enough to go home from the hospital

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in rich
having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) strong coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in ripe
having an unpleasant smell the dog's strong breath nearly bowled me over

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in compelling
having the power to persuade made a strong argument for starting school an hour later each day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in stable
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion buildings strong enough to withstand an earthquake

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in solid
not showing weakness or uncertainty a strong belief in the value of hard work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 This latter requirement is contingent on very strong or extreme geomagnetic activity. — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 10 Aug. 2026 May 21 – June 20 A creative idea may get stronger through feedback. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026 Attitude aside, the defense has looked strong in training camp, consistently working its way into the backfield. — Abby Disalvo, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026 Twenty of those points came in the second half with the Liberty leaving no chance of a letdown after a strong start. — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for strong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong
  1. muscular
  2. powerful
  3. sturdy
  4. spicy
  5. rich
  6. ripe
  7. compelling
  8. solid
Adjective
  • While several countries have tried opt-out systems, France is hoping more muscular obligatory opt-in rules will be more effective.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Some babies that used to die from one genetic disease - spinal muscular atrophy - before their 2nd birthday now are living normal lives.
    — Brad Quick, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of muscular
Adjective
  • The two progressive, politically powerful unions helped carry Mayor Brandon Johnson into office.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Gratitude is the most powerful and enduring sentiment of all — not because everything’s fine.
    — Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of powerful
Adjective
  • Sit toward the front edge of a sturdy chair, hold the sides for support, and lean back slightly while lifting one or both feet a few inches off the floor.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • One track, though, has stood out as an especially sturdy leader.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • Take this seasonal, spicy noodle bowl made with zucchini and chili crisp, for example.
    — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Her Southern-style barbecue (pork ribs, brisket, chicken, links) is served with a sauce that marries sweet and spicy, Jamaican style.
    — Doug Duran, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of spicy
Adjective
  • There’s a rich sense of history here, too, from the naming of all four stands after club legends and former owner Sir Jack Hayward to the statue of England great Billy Wright that sits outside the main entrance on Waterloo Road.
    — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The island is home to rich coastal ecosystems and serves as a nesting place for several species of sea turtles.
    — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of rich
Adjective
  • Talwani said the case was now ripe for a decision because the USPS had proposed a rule, and the election was closer.
    — Nate Raymond, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
  • With such a glut of quirky comedy coming out of New Zealand, let’s hope this continues for as long as true crime remains ripe for parody.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of ripe
Adjective
  • That said, together, the synergy of Venus and Pluto can make an attraction feel more compelling, or perhaps a conversation more intimate than usual.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Beyond gaudy numbers and a long scroll of awards and achievements, Nelson was one of the most colorful and compelling coaches to grace the Bay Area in any professional sport.
    — Carl Steward, Mercury News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of compelling
Adjective
  • Rookie kicker Trey Smack had a solid night, hitting 6-of-7 field goals, and the team introduced live tackling for younger players.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • An open floor plan and exposed solid wood beams set a lovely tone for this beautiful home, as does the vintage wood-burning stove and Dutch-style farm doors.
    — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of solid

Phrases Containing strong

Browse Nearby Words

strolls
strong
strong-arm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on strong

Nglish: Translation of strong for Spanish Speakers

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Words of the Week - Aug. 14

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
image of a green cube out of place in a lineup of red spheres
Odd Word Out: Synonyms Vol. 2 Quiz Figure out which word isn't like the others.
See All