Definition of stoutnext
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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 The 49ers came in scoring touchdowns on nearly half of their possessions, but struggled to move the ball against Denver's stout defense. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026 The Texans' run defense has been stout, but the Cowboys couldn’t care less about that. — J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Denver is a tough place to play, and the Broncos defense is stout. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 Despite the offensive struggles, a stout defense kept the Panthers within striking distance, allowing FAU (2-1) to score only 10 points off those three turnovers. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stout
Adjective
  • Despite these headwinds, the labor market has proven sturdy so far this year.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • But once assembly was complete the pit was very sturdy, and my wife and I were easily able to carry it between my porch and a crushed-stone section of my backyard that usually holds a firepit, trying it in both places.
    — Noah Kaufman, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Introduced in the 1970s to maintain the open grassy balds, these stocky, sure-footed ponies have become beloved icons.
    — Erin Gifford, Southern Living, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The suspect is described as a White man in his 30s about 6 feet tall with a stocky build.
    — Juli McDonald, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Florida Panthers were able to mount a valiant comeback in San Jose, rallying from three goals down in the second period and scoring two in the third before ultimately falling in overtime.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Despite a valiant effort on the water, that milestone failed to normalize a more ever-present female presence at the Cup for almost three decades.
    — Stefano Pozzebon, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • An actor known for his macho presence and muscular physique, Sylvester Stallone does not fit the stereotype of a person with an eating disorder.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Even among participants who did not engage in exercise or dietary changes, daily creatine supplementation increased lean tissue mass and improved muscular strength and endurance, according to the study.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Officials at the meeting discussed the rise in yields, attributing them to expectations for higher rates from the Fed as well as the build-out in artificial intelligence and solid economic growth.
    — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • All of these features sit on a durable Goodyear® Performance Outsole, so from the heel to the toe and from the top to the bottom, their feet are in for a solid, supportive run.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In the hot and progressively drier areas of the Southwest, the conifers — such as ponderosa pines or Douglas fir — are having difficulty growing back compared to their hardy competition.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Overwintering ‘Kaleidoscope’ Abelia is winter hardy through USDA hardiness zone 6.
    — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, nano-hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid draw in and hold onto moisture, leaving skin feeling plump and supple without weighing it down.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The brothel is huge and painted black, like a plump beetle luxuriating in the sun, and the opulence of its internal decoration is matched by Kate herself.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Now in its fifth year, the Albies is the Clooney Foundation’s annual ceremony, which shines an international spotlight on courageous individuals who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of justice, often at great personal risk.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, sympathetic observers feed the need of protesters to feel relevant by praising participants for being bold, courageous, uncompromising and willing to endure abuse and hostility.
    — Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stout. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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