sturdy
adjective
Synonyms
- cast-iron
- hard
- hard-bitten
- hardened
- hardy
- inured
- rugged
- stout
- strong
- tough
- toughened
- vigorous
Example Sentences
Rennie Dyball, Peoplemag, 6 Sep. 2022 Along with drainage problems, this can also cause the roots to circle around inside the hole instead of spreading out into the native soil, and the bush won't be as sturdy. Arricca Elin Sansone, Country Living, 29 June 2022 The walls should be thin and delicate yet sturdy enough to hold the filling. Jenn Harriscolumnist, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2022 The vaults appear to be carefully constructed and sturdy enough to allow people to move between them underground. Bradford Betz, Fox News, 23 Aug. 2022 Eventually, someone came up with the idea to build a boat sturdy enough to carry their butter and other products to the markets in Portland and beyond. Patrick Criteser, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2022 The wipes are big and sturdy enough to go the distance on your cleaning circuit, and the package design keeps wipes from drying out between uses. Samantha Benoit, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Aug. 2022 The skeleton of the piece needs to be sturdy, and that skeleton is the narrative, the actual story of what happens. Brendan O'meara, Longreads, 18 Aug. 2022 The all-metal construction is sturdy, and the tall handrail—which attaches to either side of the stairs—extends nearly 3 feet above the top platform. Rachel Klein, Popular Mechanics, 11 July 2022 See More Word History
Middle English, brave, stubborn, from Anglo-French esturdi stunned, from past participle of esturdir to stun, from Vulgar Latin *exturdire, from Latin ex- + Vulgar Latin *turdus simpleton, from Latin turdus thrush — more at thrush
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Kids Definition
sturdy
adjective
Medical Definition
sturdy
noun
sturdy
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- hardy
- strong
- rugged
- stout
- durable
- tough
- vigorous
- hardened
- robust
- toughened
- healthy
- hard
- stable
- resilient
- permanent
- inured
- cast-iron
- staunch
- hard-bitten
- thriving
- stalwart
- lasting
- tenacious
- leathery
- enduring
- muscular
- unyielding
- fortified
- prospering
- everlasting
- flinty
- fit
- imperishable
- immortal
- strapping
- brawny
- tempered
- virile
- flourishing
- staying
- hale
- sound
- stanch
- seasoned
- husky
- lusty
- annealed
- able-bodied
- red-blooded
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- soft
- weak
- delicate
- tender
- worn
- fragile
- weakened
- enfeebled
- wasted
- unsound
- infirm
- emasculated
- frail
- exhausted
- diseased
- sensitive
- puny
- crippled
- debilitated
- vulnerable
- nonhardy
- susceptible
- incapacitated
- temporary
- worn-out
- enervated
- perishable
- sapped
- transient
- yielding
- resistless
- run-down
- mortal
- unresistant
Synonyms & Similar Words
- strong
- durable
- stable
- reliable
- solid
- bombproof
- dependable
- stalwart
- sound
- fast
- firm
- tough
- unbreakable
- beefy
- cohesive
- infrangible
- irrefragable
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- rickety
- unstable
- weak
- wobbly
- unsteady
- unsound
- shaky
- insecure
- infirm
- unbalanced
- unsubstantial
- tottery
- tottering
- wabbly
Synonyms & Similar Words
- solid
- strong
- robust
- firm
- vigorous
- powerful
- stout
- iron
- tough
- forceful
- hearty
- mighty
- lusty
- hard
- ironclad
- unyielding
- lively
- secure
- springy
- confident
- sprightly
- energetic
- brisk
- perky
- spirited
- zippy
- vivacious
- peppy
- vital
- animated
- jazzy
- frisky
- jaunty
- assured
- sure
- certain
- sprightful
- sanguine
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- weak
- fragile
- feeble
- uncertain
- frail
- limp
- listless
- spiritless
- insecure
- diffident
- wimpy
- frail
- weakened
- characterless
- spineless
- effete
- weak-kneed
- wishy-washy
- self-doubting
Synonym Chooser
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.
While in some cases nearly identical to sturdy, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.
The meanings of stout and sturdy largely overlap; however, stout suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way.
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.
Although the words tenacious and sturdy have much in common, tenacious suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together.
The words tough and sturdy can be used in similar contexts, but tough implies great firmness and resiliency.