Definition of stoutnext
1
2
3
4
5

Synonym Chooser

How is the word stout different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of stout are stalwart, strong, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When can stalwart be used instead of stout?

While the synonyms stalwart and stout are close in meaning, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

Where would strong be a reasonable alternative to stout?

In some situations, the words strong and stout are roughly equivalent. However, 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 would sturdy be a good substitute for stout?

The words sturdy and stout can be used in similar contexts, but sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

When might tenacious be a better fit than stout?

The words tenacious and stout are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.

tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life

When is tough a more appropriate choice than stout?

The meanings of tough and stout largely overlap; however, 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 stout West Orange defense has been fairly stout all night, but the Warriors cannot contain the quarterback. Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026 The defense should be stout with Bohan, senior Jacob Adams and junior Knox Held. Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Standard deer cartridges are fine, but use a stout bullet, either bonded, partition or monolithic. Ron Spomer, Outdoor Life, 19 Aug. 2026 On a typical day this July, around four Roosevelt impersonators were roaming the streets, identifiable by their mustaches, stout bellies, and dispensing of homespun wisdom. Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
Adjective
  • Natural and lab-grown diamonds are sturdy enough to hold up to everyday wear, with gems like sapphire and moissanite right behind them.
    Larissa Ratschkowski, Glamour, 30 Aug. 2026
  • These sturdy and reliable machines are great for both knocking out homework and streaming Netflix, with a big 24-inch FHD monitor that boasts good brightness and wide viewing angles.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Unlike paper wasps, yellow jackets have a shorter, stockier body with a less pronounced narrow waist.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 5 Aug. 2026
  • His 6-foot, 205-pound stocky frame could give him a physicality edge, and his receiving ability could add an intrigue.
    Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • On the 35th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence Day, Field of Vision is launching a new documentary on Ukraine’s valiant fight to maintain its freedom.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026
  • What would be the worst moment in a mere mortal’s career, Hoecht turned into a valiant scene.
    Tim Graham, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The sense of doom freed them to push hard into a rich new pop direction, filling Sound of Lies with songs that were deeply felt and sometimes dark amid the muscular pop hooks.
    Steve Appleford, SPIN, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Years later, while O’Brien was developing Rocky Horror, the two ran into each other outside a London gym where O’Brien had been scouting muscular men for the show.
    Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Made with solid brush fibers, the applicator combs and controls the placement of the product so the finish is clump-free.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Minasian didn’t deny that there have been problems in the ninth inning, and his larger point was that the Giants have solid relievers who can be part of a good bullpen.
    Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Succulents—hardy and diverse—are nearly unbreakable given plenty of sunlight.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Some trees are more cold hardy than others, while certain species are well-adapted to survive drought or high heat.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Purchasing Fresh Corn In The Husk To pick out your fresh corn still in the husk, start by giving the ear of corn a gentle squeeze to feel for plump kernels and avoid husks with brown holes, a sign of worms.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2026
  • It can even be injected or taken as a supplement, though is most commonly found in moisturizers and serums to lock in hydration, plump, and smooth fine lines.
    Ellie Davis, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • However, rather than the courageous grand duchesses who fought for the freedom of their people far away, the author was fascinated by the suffragette movement of the 1910s.
    Giorgia Olivieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Those early songs and some of that stuff was so courageous, so good.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster