1Having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks.

1. 1.1attributive Able to perform a specified action well and powerfully.
   he was not a strong swimmer

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Three hundred feet below, a red inflatable boat chugged out from the beach towards a strong swimmer.
   • They were really driven along by the bass player and the drummer - both of whom were very strong and talented players.
   • Sections of the river flow extremely quickly, a challenge even for a strong swimmer.
   • Moose are strong swimmers and can cruise at speeds of 6 mph for up to two hours.
   • He jumped out to swim 50 metres back, but never made it, although he was fit and a strong swimmer.
   • A strong group of expert skiers can expect to climb and ski as many as four peaks in five days.
   • We must assemble a strong team of experts to analyse the relevant information.
   • Watson is a masterful player, a strong singer and an obvious devotee of the blues.
   • Myra's grief was tinged with guilt that she, the strong swimmer who could have saved him, should have been there with him that day.
   • Thibeh added that since Manji is such a strong speaker she was able to intimidate those who were asking her questions.
   • It is the duty of those able to throw a lifeline, to do so, so that some strong swimmers will survive.
   • He longed for a strong dictator and the security of the old religion, without the injustices of the old order.
   • Although, the announcement of a strong, capable director should stop this from happening.
   • A strong tackler with outstanding awareness, he is one of the Italian game's all-time greats.
   • Thresher sharks can grow up to 20 ft and are strong swimmers who can completely vault out of water.
   • The spokesman explained that, if caught in a rip tide, strong swimmers should swim for shore at a 45 angle to the current.
   • Although I'm a pretty strong swimmer it took all my strength to swim out.
   • He is a strong skater with tricky moves, and if you want to try to neutralize him you've got to take the body on him.
   • He was said not to be a strong swimmer and his friends found him floating unconscious.
   • It's well handled here by a strong ensemble cast, excellently led by Jonathan Simmons as the ad-exec.
   • He'd be well past the mouth of the Delaware by now, strong swimmer that he is.

   Synonyms

   capable, able, proficient, adept, adroit, accomplished
2. 1.2 Exerting great force.
   a strong current

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Robertstown utilised the strong wind to their advantage in the first half.
   • In the second half, Burrin, with the strong wind advantage, took the game to Baltinglass.
   • Met Éireann issued a flood warning and advised of heavy rainfall and strong easterly winds.
   • Heavy rain and strong winds combined to cause chaos across the region last night with the East Coast the worst affected.
   • They had a strong wind to their advantage and Kildare amassed a lot of confidence just before the break.
   • In spite of strong and heavy rain people went ahead with the annual Spring clean up.
   • At this stage it looked good for the home team, as with a strong wind to their advantage they surely would win this game.
   • On a day of strong winds and heavy rain, a more controlled game was required with continuity of possession being the key.
   • The home side won the toss and elected to use the strong wind to their advantage in the first half.
   • The trees that topple with heavy rain and strong winds are done in by the cemented pavements that choke their roots.
   • He's thinking of the fact that you have powers as strong, if not stronger, than his.
   • Heavy rain, strong winds and lightening crashed through the town in selective patches.
   • Although there was a very strong wind we managed a swim in the Atlantic.
   • The conditions at Telford Park were far from ideal for rugby, with a heavy pitch and a strong, gusting wind.
   • We've got a pretty strong south wind.
   • She said there would be heavy rain and strong, cold winds all day and a spell of snow in the afternoon, particularly over high ground.
   • The huge Oakwood tree's leaves rustle as a strong gust of wind blew.
   • Firefighters fought the flames throughout the night despite the strong gusts and torrential rain.
   • He slowly backed out of the stream before the rush became too strong to resist.
   • In Taiwan, the strong winds and heavy rain from the typhoon have killed at least two people.

   Synonyms

   forceful, powerful, vigorous, fierce, intense, extreme
3. 1.3 Powerful and difficult to resist or defeat.
   a strong leader

   the competition was too strong

   the company was in a strong position to negotiate a deal

   Example sentencesExamples

   • A grueling off season workout regimen should keep the Saints strong down the stretch.
   • The power of television is strong, and more of our sport is being exposed to new audiences every day.
   • He said attitudinal change among the people is a strong weapon to defeat the cult of violence.
   • I resisted the strong temptation to tell him to go jump off a cliff, and kept quiet.
   • Of course it must be taken seriously but wherever I've been, security has been strong.
   • While players are with us, and representing the club, we have a very strong security.
   • "I lost to a very, very strong contender, " he said.
   • I had to resist the strong urge to wave to the public and nod my head royally at them.
   • I resisted the strong urge to test his brow for evidence of a high fever.
   • In both groups, the strongest predictor of negative out-group attitudes was intergroup anxiety.
   • The Finn's strong performance has also moved him up to second overall in the driver's championship.
   • There is strong negative correlation between 0 and 0 and between 1 and 1.
   • He refused to play down Pakistan's chances and call India the stronger contenders.
   • The military force of the state was too strong for a spontaneous movement.
   • FARMs status was the strongest predictor of math achievement, followed by reading skills.
   • In that study, researchers also reported a stronger correlation for males than females.
   • A strong correlation was observed between age and the fluorescence pattern.
   • Event organiser, Dean Carson, expects Murwillumbah to be strong contenders once again.
   • Fear is a powerful motivator, and it takes strong ethics to resist the temptation to abuse it.
   • What is a police state other than one in which police have strong powers not properly restrained by the courts?
4. 1.4 (of an argument or case) likely to succeed because of sound reasoning or convincing evidence.
   there is a strong argument for decentralization

   Example sentencesExamples

   • League tables are not by any means perfect, and there is a strong case for presenting information in the right context.
   • Nevertheless, the evidence from deep crustal wells argues a strong case.
   • It could, indeed, and Mr Arlidge builds up a very strong case based on circumstantial evidence.
   • But is the evidence strong enough to justify exotic new laws of nature?
   • This sounds on the face of it a strong argument, but it is unlikely to carry any practical weight.
   • But neither proposition is looking particularly strong at the moment.
   • There is a strong case for Brown to sound warnings about the economy and the public finances next year.
   • Someone would have to have a rather strong argument to convince me now.
   • Does that argument reveal a strong case for electoral reform in Canada?
   • His outspoken and confrontational views make a strong case for players to have agents.
   • Certainly a strong argument that such effects are either subtle or rare can be made.
   • The argument against vivisection is strong and the evidence overwhelming.
   • The noninterventionist argument for American entry into both world wars is strong.
   • But the argument for freedom of speech remains as strong today as ever.
   • All in all, the Context report makes a strong case for closing down the FM transmissions.
   • If the case is as strong as it sounds, then it may settle on favorable terms to the white plaintiffs.
   • Isn't there a strong case for saying that the Tories are just as likely to lose the election by keeping him?
   • The evidence suggests that a strong case can be made for a planned strategy using militia.
   • I don't know, but unless we can do things with quantum computers, I think that sounds like a strong argument.
   • Legal experts say that while the plaintiffs' case is strong, it may still not succeed.

   Synonyms

   compelling, cogent, forceful, powerful, potent, weighty, convincing, plausible, effective, efficacious, sound, valid, well founded, telling

   impressive, persuasive, influential, authoritative
5. 1.5 Powerfully affecting the mind, senses, or emotions.
   his imagery made a strong impression on the critics

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Her crunch has the ability to sense strong emotion and she could track me here.
   • Here is music that is fiercely modern yet filled with strong emotional resonance.
   • Such feelings seem particularly strong among the French.
   • The desire to kiss her was so strong I had to physically swallow, hard, to stop myself.
   • Some strong emotion, some powerful thought was attacking my brain, but I could not fathom what it was.
   • I wanted to be where I used to be and have that powerful, strong sense of direction.
   • I tried to keep my tuning out powers strong enough to ignore the regular conversation.
   • Two whose work had strong emotional appeal, were Paul Gowdie and Joanne Vriend.
   • A facility such as this is always going to arouse strong emotional feelings regarding its location.
   • She had felt such a strong connection to him that any other man after him hadn't been enough.
   • There's no doubt that a team that is fit and mentally strong will have some advantage by the end of these two games.
   • The end of the Cold War made this feeling even stronger.
   • And yet, both men were born in Quebec and have strong emotional ties to Montreal.
   • His powerfully lyrical Symphony no. 6 conveys a strong sense of the Norwegian landscape.
   • These people have a very open heart, a very strong emotional way of feeling.
   • Her strong sense of duty called to mind her grandfather George V and Queen Victoria.
   • Being asked for a favor conveys a feeling of power, also a strong behavioral reinforcer.
   • The strong desire to move ahead can at times tempt businesses to cut corners or bend the rules.
   • Feel a strong connection to the earth through the balls of your feet and your finger tips.
   • In the minds of Chinese, this history inspires a strong sense of indignation.

   Synonyms

   intense, forceful, vehement, passionate, ardent, fervent, profound, deep-seated

   consuming, extreme, acute, fierce

   rare fervid, perfervid, passional
6. 1.6 (of language or actions) forceful and extreme, especially excessively or unacceptably so.
   the government were urged to take strong measures against the perpetrators of violence

   a play full of strong language

   Example sentencesExamples

   • The language is strong beyond maximum Trebor strength yet never jars; the performances even stronger.
   • Their language is so strong, we've got to redefine, we've gotta take back words.
   • Apart from the sexually explicit scenes, the language is very strong.
   • But I do have an extremely strong opinion at what stage a pregnancy should be terminated.
   • When someone uses language that strong, you'd expect him to have facts to back up his words.
   • Agnes comes across as a strong, forceful character whom we instantly like and admire.

   Synonyms

   firm, forceful, severe, strict, drastic, extreme, draconian

2Able to withstand force, pressure, or wear.

1. 2.1 Not easily affected by disease or hardship.
   despite his strong constitution, constant worry and exposure to the elements had worn him down

   Example sentencesExamples

   • To explore the hole you needed a very long ladder and a strong constitution: it stank and was crawling with rats.
   • Mary easily forgot he was not as strong, but he would never admit to any weakness in front of her.
   • It thickens the blood, enhances the constitution, and makes a man as strong as a tree trunk.
   • But they do not know if she is physically strong enough to survive surgery.
   • I had a good, strong and very robust constitution, perfectly able to take its nourishment from a vegetable source.
   • You can get sucked into one very easily if your not strong enough to stand against the gravity.
   • But this cannot last long, even with people who have a strong physical constitution.
   • Hmm, you've got to have a pretty strong constitution to whack down two uncooked eggs as Mr Hogg suggests.
   • And, frankly that would have any man with a strong constitution running for The Other Bus.
   • His body, too strong to surrender easily or quickly, gave up the fight for life slowly and reluctantly.
   • If you have a strong constitution, you can sample the two hilarious Intel ads here.

   Synonyms

   well, healthy, in good health, fit, fighting fit, robust, vigorous, blooming, thriving, bursting with health, in rude health, hale, hale and hearty, hearty, in good shape, in excellent shape, in good condition, in good trim, in fine fettle, sound, sound in body and limb

   informal in the pink, fit as a fiddle, in tip-top condition
2. 2.2 Not easily disturbed, upset, or affected.
   driving on these motorways requires strong nerves

   only a strong will enabled him to survive

   Example sentencesExamples

   • We have to take advantage of our strong cultural economy and give it the support that it needs.
   • Despite being paralysed from the neck down after a car accident, Clive was a strong and independent character, she said.
   • Don't click on this unless you have Broadband and strong nerves.
   • In other words, a woman can't be trusted to be strong, independent or rational.
   • The nerves were so strong that she thought she might be sick at any moment.
   • So sitting on your hands, skipping 2003 and waiting for Longhorn could start to require strong nerves.
   • She was a strong, independent person, and she didn't need a boy to boost her confidence.
   • Her strong independent attitude comes through in her lyrics, as does her sense of humour.
   • In deference to her strong views and independence, Ames was cremated and her ashes were scattered with a few cannabis seeds.
   • The new Bollywood stars are role models for them, strong, independent and bold.
   • The two brothers are babes in arms at this time; they grow to be strong and independent.
   • They are strong and independent because they have to be, not because they want to be.
   • They can even be an opportunity for those with strong nerves.
   • Brienne and Lamoignon thought strong nerves would be enough to face out the clamour.
   • Here was a man who appeared to be possessed of a strong determination and muscular power.
   • Letizia is reported to be a strong, independent, responsible professional woman.
   • Indeed, those with strong nerves and plenty of money should consider buying.
   • A man possessed of a strong independent spirit, he lived on his own in Derreens until his early nineties.
   • It was typical of him in his heyday, so mentally strong, and not a sign of nerves.
   • And unless it is comprised of people with very strong nerves, success is doubtful.

   Synonyms

   forceful, determined, spirited, dynamic, self-assertive, tough, tenacious, high-powered, formidable, aggressive, redoubtable, zealous, firm, resolute, strong-minded

   informal gutsy, feisty
3. 2.3 Firmly held or established.
   he was a man of strong, though unconventional, religious beliefs

   they had established a strong and trusting relationship

   Example sentencesExamples

   • I look forward to establishing a strong working relationship with you and to continue representing your company.
   • There is a strong correlation between the fold quality and the structure density.
   • Mr Brown has established strong relationships with development groups, who would welcome him as prime minister.
   • A report released today shows a strong link between brain inflammation and autism.
   • There is a strong relationship between the limits and the identity of any alliance.
   • They have strong beliefs, but strong beliefs firmly anchored in the real and the achievable.
   • Pockets of strong rural traditionalism and community life survived, not least because of the lack of modern services.
   • Those polls found a strong link between religious observance and partisan behavior.
   • This mission was successful and we can assume that two such similar clergymen established a strong and useful partnership.
   • He has family and relatives in Teesside and is also believed to have strong links to West Yorkshire.
   • In Africa, it has taken longer to establish a strong, viable institution to promote unity.
   • Again, trust is required but difficult to gain when these differences are so strong.
   • Boy, that new era of strong relations with Russia sure lasted a long time, didn't it?
   • Jim had a special rapport with Irish people and his popularity has remained incredibly strong over the years.
   • The power of faith is strong in Lourdes, and that should not be forgotten.
   • His family still have strong connections in Ryedale and visited relations in the area over Christmas.
   • This Institute has already established a strong track record in the research arena.
   • In that moment, I felt such a strong connection with him that I knew there was no going back.
   • The Tudors established a strong monarchy in the sixteenth century.
   • That proved to be a costly failure and Murdoch has established a strong presence.

   Synonyms

   keen, eager, deep, acute, dedicated, passionate, fervent, zealous

   keen, eager, enthusiastic, earnest, dedicated, staunch, loyal, steadfast, passionate, fierce, fervent
4. 2.4 (of a market) having steadily high or rising prices.
   Example sentencesExamples

   • It is prudent to be cautious, especially in a strong market where prices are high.
   • These results indicate a strong market reaction, especially in the postevent period.
   • The world economy is incredibly strong at the moment and the UK is doing especially well.
   • Of course, if the recovery continues apace, a strong labor market could bump wages up.
   • This is provided those companies have a strong market position and clear competitive advantage.
   • Not only does that tell us there is a high level of interest in our products, but it says the market is still strong.
   • However, there is still a good demand and the overseas market is as strong as ever.
   • Suzuki's figures were helped by strong sales in overseas markets such as India and Indonesia.
   • If prices are rising and the volume and open interest are both up, the market is decidedly strong.
   • It also claims that despite indications to the contrary, Gateway insisted that retail market was strong.
   • While demand is slowing down, he said, land is still selling because the new homes market remains strong.
   • The reason, apparently is that the market is not sufficiently strong to merit a launch right now.
   • In theory, the vertically integrated MFI should be wiping the floor with its strong market position.
   • Corporate profitability and the profit share in the economy remain relatively strong.
   • In Britain, the monthly index also remained strong, despite a marginal fall from November.
   • Certainly a strong recovery and a rising stock market will increase tax revenues.
   • The story continues to be the strong market share gains by the foreign nameplates.
   • In a strong market it is easy to pick winners because almost every share will rise.
   • Analysis of historical data shows that strong market runs are followed by periods where indexes mark time.
   • It is a national franchise with strong market shares in the fastest-growing areas in the United States.

3Very intense.

1. 3.1 (of something seen or heard) not soft or muted; clear or prominent.
   she should wear strong colours

   Example sentencesExamples

   • Unfortunately his antlers and part of his back have been erased by dripping water but otherwise he is still strong and clear.
   • She heard Vasic's voice, soft yet strong enough to cut through the chatter.
   • It is raw, natural, with a distinct style, yet the underlying melody comes out strong and clear.
   • To stand out in this jungle, the Arup building needed to have a strong, clear voice - and it does.
   • She described the colour and action which are strong features of these traditions.
   • Her voice was strong in my mind almost as if she were right there.
   • She had a strong clear voice that you would think could only come from a woman twice her age.
   • The resulting images show both a strong vision and a clear understanding of the photographic medium.
   • His face was broad and meaty, with a strong, prominent nose and full lips.
   • Although the visuals are extremely strong, they never overwhelm the actors.
   • The rest of the film is in the strong visual language of cinema itself.
   • The male with the wheat colored hair and strong hawk like feature came forward, behind Mint, surprising her.
   • He still speaks in a clear, strong voice and has the same head of wavy hair, though.
   • Do you receive strong mental images or hear the answer to a question that you have inside your head before you have even voiced it?
   • Before he could look up, a strong, clear, voice shattered the silence of the room.
   • I would like to know how can you get such vibrant and strong colors in your photos.
   • The female's voice is clear and strong, yet the ruling masters can hear her fear.
   • That work was different to my usual style, as I had to think about giving the clothes strong, clear lines.
   • This collection as usual, featured lots of strong colors and a variety of shapes.
   • By now, Vasanti is animated; she is looking us straight in the eye, and her voice is strong and clear.

   Synonyms

   loud, powerful, forceful, lusty, stentorian, resonant, sonorous, orotund, full, rich, deep, booming, penetrating, carrying, clear

   strident

   informal fruity

   rare canorous
2. 3.2 (of food or its flavour) distinctive and pungent.
   strong cheese

   Example sentencesExamples

   • It proved fresh and filling with a strong tomato flavour and far too much pasta for a mere mortal to consume in one session.
   • He sipped a little carefully from the spoon and found it had a strong flavour.
   • Here is a gutsy selection that will stand up well with most of those strong flavours.
   • Children would have hated the sausages because they actually boasted a strong flavour, but they proved a treat for adults.
   • Mullet has a strong flavour and firm flesh, so it stays intact when tossed together with the olives, tomatoes and spaghetti.
   • The lamb chops were another highlight, with a strong taste accented by the flavour of oregano.
   • I had expected just the tiniest sprinkling, but so much strong cheese swamped all the other flavours.
   • I accept that there are strong flavours and challenging textures here which may not be everyone's idea of good eating.
   • It has a strong earthy taste, which can work well with other strong flavours such as pigeon.
   • On their own they are fairly bland but meaty, so they work well with strong flavours.
   • The chicken tasted very fresh and the sauce was delicious with a strong mustard flavour.
   • It had a dark orange sauce with a strong coconut flavour that was really quite enticing.
   • Garlic, onion and strong spices were strictly forbidden in case they contaminated the leaves.
   • It complements fine cigars, spicy food and smoked or strong cheeses, and it slips down well on its own.
   • The latter derives its names from its strong garlic flavour, which makes it a good accompaniment to meat and fish.
   • The strong flavour and softness of the prawns have made the special cuisine a gourmet's delight.
   • It is a fact known worldwide that I detest Brussel sprouts as strongly as their strong flavour.
   • In this recipe we marry the strong flavours of olive oil and fresh rosemary with the succulence of the potato.
   • Less subtle is the goat's cheese, which provides a strong taste on which to balance the creaminess of the mash.
   • The garlic wasn't strong enough to mask a slightly fishy flavour, but that didn't detract.

   Synonyms

   highly flavoured, strongly flavoured, flavourful, flavoursome, savoury, pungent, aromatic, piquant, tangy, sharp, biting, zesty, spicy, hot

   rare flavorous, sapid
3. 3.3 (of a solution or drink) containing a large proportion of a particular substance; concentrated.
   a cup of strong coffee

   strong lager

   Example sentencesExamples

   • How we came to be was a complicated story, one not to be told unless under the influence of a few strong drinks.
   • The experimental drug, called caffeinol, is as potent as two cups of strong coffee and a shot of alcohol.
   • He asked me what I meant and I said that the drug he put in my drink wasn't strong enough for him to get me into bed.
   • Smoking and drinking strong alcohol also lead to deep respiration.
   • Marion's mate likes strong tea so she asked for an extra tea bag and offered to pay.
   • The moms sit in the kitchen drinking strong coffee and sharing pie and good conversation while the kids all run amok.
   • And according to dieticians, drinking a can of Red Bull is about as dangerous as drinking a strong cup of coffee.
   • My favorite drinks are Malibu pineapple and Amaretto sours - I can't drink strong drinks.
   • In a statement Mrs Smith said her husband had drunk several pints of strong lager before leaving the pub at 2am.
   • Britain's first vintage beer festival proved that strong ale can be left to mature like wine.
   • For drinking, he suggests water, coffee, tea, light white wines, and even strong liquor occasionally.
   • I was drinking about 12 cans of strong beer daily, to hide the feelings about losing my mum.
   • Another suggestion is to spray strong coffee on areas such as lawns and roses.
   • She liked it because it didn't have a strong coffee taste like the other drinks.
   • We ate squab and currents and drank good strong ale, and I laughed at the weight of it in my head.
   • Also on display was his lager and strong ale, so we gave it a quality control test, to make sure that they still tasted good.
   • Unfortunately both strong drinks brought the worst out of the taste testers.
   • The jury heard how Hart had drunk strong coffee repeatedly as he drove, had the driver's window wound fully down and the car radio on.
   • Whilst there he had drunk a couple of strong drinks, but intended to stay the night.
   • To drink strong liquor is also useful since nights get rather cold on the grasslands.

   Synonyms

   concentrated, undiluted, highly flavoured

   alcoholic, intoxicating, inebriating, hard, heady, potent, stiff, spirituous, vinous, intoxicant
4. 3.4Chemistry (of an acid or base) fully ionized into cations and anions in solution; having (respectively) a very low or a very high pH.
   Example sentencesExamples

   • This process is complicated by the fact that nitric acid acts as a strong oxidizing agent as well as an acid.
   • They require either a strong oxidizing agent to react with an acid or they undergo no reaction at all.
   • Addition of a strong base to a solution of a strong acid is just the reverse process.
   • The lining of the stomach is designed to handle the strong acids that break down food.
   • Ozone is a strong electrophilic reagent which can attack the double bond found in alkenes.

4Used after a number to indicate the size of a group.

5Grammar
Denoting a class of verbs in Germanic languages that form the past tense and past participle by a change of vowel within the stem rather than by addition of a suffix (e.g. swim, swam, swum).

6Physics
Relating to or denoting the strongest of the known kinds of force between particles, which acts between nucleons and other hadrons when closer than about 10⁻¹³ cm (so binding protons in a nucleus despite the repulsion due to their charge), and which conserves strangeness, parity, and isospin.