strong

adjective

ˈstrȯŋ How to pronounce strong (audio)
Definition of strongnext
1
as in muscular
having muscles capable of exerting great physical force I need some strong people to help me move furniture

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2
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure the doctor soon declared her strong enough to go home from the hospital

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3
as in spicy
having a powerfully stimulating odor or flavor the garlic in the sauce is almost too strong that's mighty strong perfume you're wearing

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4
as in rich
having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) strong coffee

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5
as in ripe
having an unpleasant smell the dog's strong breath nearly bowled me over

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6
as in powerful
having great power or influence a time when the country needs a strong leader

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7
as in compelling
having the power to persuade made a strong argument for starting school an hour later each day

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8
as in stable
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion buildings strong enough to withstand an earthquake

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9
as in solid
not showing weakness or uncertainty a strong belief in the value of hard work

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strong evidence
substantial evidence
clear evidence
extensive evidence
compelling evidence
convincing evidence
strong feelings
intense feelings
passionate feelings
powerful feelings
heightened feelings
profound feelings
strong opposition
significant opposition
robust opposition
firm opposition
staunch opposition
considerable opposition
a strong relationship
a positive relationship
a sturdy relationship
a solid relationship
a close relationship
a tight relationship
strong winds
ferocious winds
damaging winds
high winds
heavy winds
rough winds

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of strong are stalwart, stout, sturdy, tenacious, and tough. While all these words mean "showing power to resist or to endure," 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 might stalwart be a better fit than strong?

The meanings of stalwart and strong largely overlap; however, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.

stalwart environmentalists

When would stout be a good substitute for strong?

The words stout and strong can be used in similar contexts, but stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.

stout hiking boots

When is it sensible to use sturdy instead of strong?

The words sturdy and strong are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sturdy implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction.

a sturdy table
people of sturdy independence

Where would tenacious be a reasonable alternative to strong?

In some situations, the words tenacious and strong are roughly equivalent. However, 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 strong?

Although the words tough and strong have much in common, 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 strong Today, though inflation’s back in our future, the big selloff launched a new era of strong real returns. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2023 Hiring remained strong last month as employers added 233,000 jobs and wages grew a robust 4.6% compared to a year earlier. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2023 Carry it by hand or use the shoulder strap that attaches with strong metal buckles (not pictured). —Jessica Hartshorn, Good Housekeeping, 12 Jan. 2023 Deadwyler’s performance has had a strong effect on audiences. —Caryn James, Town & Country, 12 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for strong
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strong
  1. muscular
  2. sturdy
  3. spicy
  4. rich
  5. ripe
  6. powerful
  7. compelling
  8. solid
Adjective
  • Schumer also extended an invitation to Emma Larson, who received treatment for her spinal muscular atrophy due to a reimbursement from the National Institutes of Health, as well as Jessica Martinez and Ana Medina Garcia, recipients of Medicaid from New York.
    — Samantha-Jo Roth, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Medicaid recipients Jessica Martinez and Ana Medina Garcia, cancer survivors and recipients of Medicaid, and Emma Larson, who received a lifesaving treatment for her spinal muscular atrophy due to a reimbursement from the National Institutes of Health, were also invited by Schumer.
    — Nik Popli, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of muscular
Adjective
  • Potassium helps produce sturdy plants and increases plants’ resistance to stress but overapplication of potassium (and too much of any nutrient) can cause other necessary nutrients to become unavailable to the plant.
    — Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Rugs used on slippery surfaces such as wood and tile need to have sturdy backing made to hug the floor and grip it tightly.
    — BestReviews, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • These wines are big, bold, and spicy, often with rich blackberry and dark chocolate flavors.
    — Emily Price, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Grounded by spicy fennel and velvety musks, this unisex cologne boasts impressively long wear, yet is refreshing and light enough to wear on a super humid day.
    — Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of spicy
Adjective
  • Their roster is rich with talented young players, including a terrific goaltender in Lukas Dostal, and there are signs that Anaheim is starting to figure it out.
    — Carol Schram, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The fruit is rich in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, as well as antioxidants, and potassium.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of rich
Adjective
  • Levy chatted with us about why many parts of the parenting experience are ripe for disruption and how taking risks can lead to great things.
    — Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Yet, with a synopsis drawing equivalence with hit James Norton-starring BBC drama McMafia, which was itself based on a non-fiction book, this one could be ripe for an early option.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of ripe
Adjective
  • The film’s effect on the perception of Brazil’s powerful military has been something of a virtuous circle: the political mood powers the popularity of the movie, and the movie in turn powers the political mood.
    — Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Charlotte Moore’s decision to quit the BBC has opened up the most powerful creative job in British television — and within minutes speculation was rampant about who could succeed the outgoing content chief.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of powerful
Adjective
  • Nonetheless, there is something creepy and compelling in the prophetic strength that is harbored, and slowly revealed, by particular books.
    — Anthony Lane, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.
    — Sharareh Drury, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of compelling
Adjective
  • And the ungrateful pig got a solid slap from the pigsty owners.
    — Newsweek, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
  • On that morning of January 27, the team was a solid 26-19-3 for 55 points, or a .541 points percentage.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of solid

Phrases Containing strong

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Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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