STURDY Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: When might 'stalwart' be a better fit than 'sturdy'?

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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

sturdy

adjective

ˈstər-dē

Definition of sturdy

as in hardy

able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure it took a sturdy person to endure the life of a pioneer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in solid

not showing weakness or uncertainty you'll need a sturdy grasp of the concepts of algebra before you can take calculus

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 sturdy Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers and strong, sturdy stems. — The Spruce, 13 Aug. 2026 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 Made from sturdy ceramic and adorned with a classic blue and white chinoiserie pattern, the stool has the appearance and feel of an heirloom piece. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sturdy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdy

Adjective

Add a can of white beans for heft and serve with peppery greens like arugula or a hardy chicory like radicchio.

— Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Aug. 2026
The Cyclospora parasite is particularly hardy, so routine rinsing or washing of produce is unlikely to kill it.

— Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of hardy

Adjective

There's some solid Santa Maria-style BBQ tri-tip, as well as Tex Mex classics like nachos and quesadillas alongside a variety of burgers and fries.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Ryan Christie, Lewis Cook and Alex Toth are solid rotation options in midfield.

— Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of solid

Adjective

For instance, try balancing out the rugged look with feminine shorts like the LyreBird Silken Lace-Trim Shorts.

— Tessa Petak, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026
Summary The 2026 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro emerges as a powerful, rugged, and handsome truck, despite its premium price and massive size.

— Josh Max, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of rugged

Adjective

Washington and Tehran agreed in June to a 60-day ceasefire, allowing time to negotiate a more durable peace deal while active fighting subsided and the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
The fluffy cushions feel like sitting on a cloud, and reviewers have mentioned how easy this durable chair is to set up.

— Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of durable

Adjective

Combined output is a powerful 437 horsepower and a stout 583 pound-feet of torque.

— Josh Max, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026
Veteran Dre'Mont Jones, who's typically a stout run defender, wasn't immune to the edge-setting problems that plagued the outside linebackers throughout practice.

— Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of stout

Adjective

Global economic instability has created unease at home, and a property crisis coupled with high youth unemployment has convinced some residents that securing a stable job within the government is the best path.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Both males were listed in stable condition, according to Boisvert.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of stable

Cite this Entry

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“Sturdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdy. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of sturdy

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