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
  • Meantime my 12- and 13-year-old boys were now becoming young men, taller and heavier and in some cases impressively muscular.
    — J.T. Barbarese, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
  • These edits were designed to express dire wolf characteristics, including larger size, more muscular build, thicker coat, and distinctive coat coloration.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Definition of muscular
Adjective
  • Uwharrie National Forest About 1 hour and 15 minutes from Charlotte Pack sunscreen, bug spray, sturdy walking shoes, and lots of water and snacks for a day trip to Uwharrie National Forest—one of four national forests in North Carolina—and the Badin Lake Recreation Area.
    — Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 7 June 2025
  • Yet while hiring generally has slowed, other economists figured job growth remained sturdy last month as companies frustrated by labor shortages during the pandemic continued to curtail layoffs.
    — Paul Davidson, USA Today, 7 June 2025
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • The whisky is robust and flavorful on the palate, showcasing baked apple, candied orange zest, fried or caramelized banana, herbal nots of tobacco and anise/licorice, nuts, dark chocolate, seasoned oak, hints of caramel, and spicy hints of cinnamon and clove.
    — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Another hit from the party came from Jar’s Suzanne Tract, who brought spicy shrimp dumplings and kimchi dumplings from Pao Jao Dumpling House started by Eunice Lee and Seong Cho in the food court of the Koreatown Plaza on Western Ave.
    — Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Definition of spicy
Adjective
  • Italy’s Taormina Film Festival is set for a standout 71st edition with a rich mix of genres – including some potential discoveries – on display, plus a generous dose of star power within a new format that attempts to revive the storied Sicilian event and put it back on the international map.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 5 June 2025
  • He's torched his credibility with Tesla's most important customers (rich libs), but now risks becoming persona non grata among the MAGA faithful by going against the boss.
    — Carlo Versano, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025
Definition of rich
Adjective
  • Summer is a season ripe for scandal; people tend to be overheated and understimulated, looking to mist their crisping minds with idle gossip.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 30 May 2025
  • At a time when the salary cap ceiling is taking a significant jump to $95.5 million, the conditions are ripe for upheaval.
    — Chris Johnston, New York Times, 29 May 2025
Definition of ripe
Adjective
  • Conservatives in the country are distrustful of China and see Lee as too friendly with the powerful neighbor.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 June 2025
  • With over 350 works spanning 10 centuries, ‘Kings and Queens of Africa’ is a powerful tribute to the continent’s enduring artistic and cultural legacy.
    — Essence, Essence, 3 June 2025
Definition of powerful
Adjective
  • 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.
    — Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 8 June 2025
  • From its Greek founding to its Roman take-over, its thousands of meters of stone blocks, column and tiles tell a compelling story of families and empires rising and falling.
    — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025
Definition of compelling
Adjective
  • The Eufy Life mobile app is solid, including easy at-a-glance views, long-term charts, and drill-down capabilities.
    — Christopher Null, Wired News, 4 June 2025
  • Adding to the desk’s do-it-all appeal: sturdy, solid oak legs and a natural wood finish with one-of-a-kind character.
    — Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 3 June 2025
Definition of solid

Phrases Containing strong

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strolls
strong
strong-arm
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Cite this Entry

“Strong.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strong. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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