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 Tight end One of the encouraging developments was the sturdy blocking of third round pick Will Kacmarek, who cleared out space on Achane’s touchdown. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026 Take shelter immediately in the lowest level of a sturdy building, preferably in an interior room away from windows. — Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 14 Aug. 2026 Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers and strong, sturdy stems. — The Spruce, 13 Aug. 2026 One track, though, has stood out as an especially sturdy leader. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sturdy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sturdy

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

Definition of hardy

Adjective

Davis delivered a strong preseason, but he is now likely headed to a redshirt rookie season unless injuries strike at tackle.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt.

— Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of strong

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

Definition of solid

Adjective

The fire remains active in all directions — primarily within the Ventana Wilderness, which is also remote and rugged terrain.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026
Civilian infrastructure failed or disappeared, telecommunications broke down, and hundreds of thousands of people were stranded in what was already a relatively remote, rugged corner of the country.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of rugged

Adjective

Furniture should be durable for heavy play, finished with nontoxic materials for the taste-everything phase of toddlerhood, and ideally versatile enough to stick around for more than a few years.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 31 Aug. 2026
And, Munster argues, with a product stockpile of some of the most popular and durable tech on earth to build upon, Apple doesn’t necessarily need a product visionary at its helm to continue its world-dominating success streak.

— Sebastian Herrera, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of durable

Adjective

The increasing chances of being taken, whether one is in a church, mosque, school, on a trip to the capital Abuja or resting at home, is a grim reality that should not be the case given Tinubu’s firm campaign pledges.

— Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026
It’s made with Alaria seaweed to improve skin’s elasticity and give it a firmer look, while a blend of natural oils leaves the skin feeling smooth as a siren song.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of firm

Adjective

Despite the tall central fin on the back deck and the stout roll bars above the seats, turning your head to look behind the Slingshot gives a clearer view than expected.

— William Roberson, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
During August camp, Wilson has been more stout against the run than his 2025 Pro Football Focus grades would suggest.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of stout

Adjective

Dark matter has never been detected, but it is believed to make up 85% of the total matter in the universe and help hold stars and galaxies in stable orbits.

— Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
At the time of transport, two patients were in serious condition and four were in stable condition.

— Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of stable

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

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Synonyms of sturdy

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