1
2
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

3

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 Biking is smooth and the frame is sturdy, heavy and durable enough to handle rigorous cycling. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Apr. 2025 Most hiking boots achieve their waterproofing through a combination of construction and a durable water-resistant layer, and a sturdy pair of boots will usually outlast their waterproofing by years. Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 17 Apr. 2025 Crafted from lightweight, sturdy beechwood, this pro-kneading, lymphatic-draining tool is designed with soft, rounded edges that make for comfy gliding across your skin (go ahead and pair it with a serum or lotion for extra slip). Allure, 14 Apr. 2025 It’s built from a sturdy metal base with a solid wood and plywood frame and has a swivel design that rotates 360 degrees. Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sturdy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdy
Adjective
  • Foliage remains evergreen in locations where plants are winter hardy.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Balancing hardy explorer capabilities with a design that’s fresh and elegant, the brand new M will be a hot topic at the upcoming show.
    Katia Damborsky, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
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 now, the economy remains in solid shape by several top measures.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2025
  • This offseason, the team didn't have to make too many outside additions as the roster is solid at most spots.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Premiering April 20 on Nat Geo and streaming April 21 on Disney+ and Hulu, the three-part series is a visual triumph made possible by engineering grit, field science, and the kind of rugged tech innovation typically reserved for space exploration.
    Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Unveiled at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025, this futuristic machine is built to handle rugged terrain with ease, combining cutting-edge robotics and sustainable energy.
    Fox News Staff, FOXNews.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The carbonaceous material, which isn’t very durable, likely gets broken down through heat stress when its orbit takes it close to the Sun.
    Patrick M. Shober, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Michigan’s Will Campbell — Campbell’s a fantastic athlete for his size (6-foot-6, 320 pounds) who is durable and battle-tested.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In a swift and firm response, attorneys representing Harvard sent a letter on April 14th unequivocally rejecting the Administration’s demands.
    Marybeth Gasman, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • This mom was absolutely right to step in and draw a firm line.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • At room temperature an individual piece can measure a stout 5 centimeters when stood upright on its end.
    Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Cade Cunningham’s 36 points, stout defense subdue Knicks Where Red Wings assistant coach Trent Yawney goes, top young defensemen grow Colton Pouncy is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Detroit Lions.
    Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This independence is intended to allow the Fed to focus on its dual mandate: promoting maximum employment and maintaining stable prices.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The final step of the process uses what’s left after biofuel production as a stable, non-leaching crop fertilizer.
    Robin Roenker, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sturdy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sturdy. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sturdy

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!