strong
1 of 2adjective
ˈstrȯŋ 
stronger ˈstrȯŋ-gər
also -ər
; strongest ˈstrȯŋ-gəst also -əst
1
: having or marked by great physical power
2
: having moral or intellectual power
3
: having great resources (as of wealth or talent)
4
: of a specified number
an army ten thousand strong
5
a
: striking or superior of its kind
a strong resemblance
b
: effective or efficient especially in a specified direction
… strong on watching other people work …
A. Alvarez
A. Alvarez6
: forceful, cogent
strong evidence
strong talk
7
: not mild or weak : extreme, intense: such as
a
: rich in some active agent
strong beer
b
of a color : high in chroma
c
: ionizing freely in solution
strong acids and bases
d
: magnifying by refracting greatly
a strong lens
8
obsolete : flagrant
9
: moving with rapidity or force
a strong wind
10
: ardent, zealous
a strong supporter
11
a
: not easily injured or disturbed : solid
b
: not easily subdued or taken
a strong fort
12
: well established : firm
strong beliefs
13
: not easily upset or nauseated
a strong stomach
14
: having an offensive or intense odor or flavor : rank
strong breath
15
: tending toward steady or higher prices
a strong market
16
a
: of, relating to, or being a verb that is inflected by a change in the root vowel (such as strive, strove, striven) rather than by regular affixation
b
of a noun or adjective declension in Germanic languages : retaining a greater number of distinctions in case, number and gender
strongish
ˈstrȯŋ-ish
adjective strong
2 of 2adverb
: in a strong or forceful manner
The wind was blowing strong from the West.
The company is still going strong [=continuing successfully, flourishing] despite new challenges.
Synonyms
Adjective
- brawny
- muscular
- rugged
- sinewy
- stalwart
- stout
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Adjective an athlete with strong muscles He's as strong as an ox. The table should be strong enough to survive the trip. The builder added supports to make the walls stronger. He'll return to work when he's feeling a little stronger.
Recent Examples on the Web Stephanie Stradley, Chron, 9 Sep. 2022 In March, the FDA’s advisory committee narrowly concluded that evidence for the drug’s effectiveness wasn’t strong enough to justify approval. Ryan Cross, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2022 The results, published in early June, found that even three doses of the vaccine weren’t strong enough. Jared S. Hopkins, WSJ, 5 Sep. 2022 At this point, there are no season-ending injuries the program can point to say this team isn’t strong enough to complete. Kevin Reynolds, The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 Sep. 2022 That's a sign that consumers’ appetite for goods and services is still strong enough to allow businesses to raise prices. Paul Wiseman, ajc, 2 Sep. 2022 It’s part of my job as a perfumer to create perfumes that stay on the skin for long, to make sure that the sillage [scent trail] is strong enough. Lindy Segal, Harper's BAZAAR, 31 Aug. 2022 Landmarks laws had been strengthened before that, but then along came the Stock Exchange, and obviously, the landmarks laws weren’t strong enough to save that building. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2022 The issue of the Mussolini quote made a strong impression on Cousins at the time. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 Aug. 2022 Larry Light, Fortune, 14 July 2022 Four months after his injury, Matt's calves are looking strong again. Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 20 Aug. 2022 That kind of cooperation and discussion amongst a group is very important in members staying strong together on and off stage, and in other future various comebacks and promotions. Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 11 Aug. 2022 Overall, the job market is holding strong even as business investment drops off. Nate Dicamillo, Quartz, 31 July 2022 After winning their respective qualifiers on Friday, the duo are looking strong headed to the semifinals. oregonlive, 16 July 2022 On a recent Friday, that designation seemed to be holding strong: Aspiring influencers posed on the red staircase above the TKTS booth that sells discounted Broadway tickets, framed by screaming billboards. New York Times, 28 May 2022 In down ballot contests, women did strong in certain areas of the state, particularly fast-growing Baldwin County. al, 25 May 2022 The Covid vaccines, while holding up strong against hospitalization and death, offer little protection against long Covid, according to research published Wednesday in the journal Nature Medicine. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 25 May 2022 See More
Adjective
The offensive line should still be strong enough for Jonathan Taylor to be dominant on the ground and keep Matt Ryan upright. Stephanie Stradley, Chron, 9 Sep. 2022 In March, the FDA’s advisory committee narrowly concluded that evidence for the drug’s effectiveness wasn’t strong enough to justify approval. Ryan Cross, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Sep. 2022 The results, published in early June, found that even three doses of the vaccine weren’t strong enough. Jared S. Hopkins, WSJ, 5 Sep. 2022 At this point, there are no season-ending injuries the program can point to say this team isn’t strong enough to complete. Kevin Reynolds, The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 Sep. 2022 That's a sign that consumers’ appetite for goods and services is still strong enough to allow businesses to raise prices. Paul Wiseman, ajc, 2 Sep. 2022 It’s part of my job as a perfumer to create perfumes that stay on the skin for long, to make sure that the sillage [scent trail] is strong enough. Lindy Segal, Harper's BAZAAR, 31 Aug. 2022 Landmarks laws had been strengthened before that, but then along came the Stock Exchange, and obviously, the landmarks laws weren’t strong enough to save that building. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2022 The issue of the Mussolini quote made a strong impression on Cousins at the time. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 30 Aug. 2022 Adverb
The Food and Drug Administration yanked its emergency-use authorization of a strong-selling coronavirus antibody therapeutic, REGEN-COV. Larry Light, Fortune, 14 July 2022 Four months after his injury, Matt's calves are looking strong again. Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 20 Aug. 2022 That kind of cooperation and discussion amongst a group is very important in members staying strong together on and off stage, and in other future various comebacks and promotions. Jeff Benjamin, Billboard, 11 Aug. 2022 Overall, the job market is holding strong even as business investment drops off. Nate Dicamillo, Quartz, 31 July 2022 After winning their respective qualifiers on Friday, the duo are looking strong headed to the semifinals. oregonlive, 16 July 2022 On a recent Friday, that designation seemed to be holding strong: Aspiring influencers posed on the red staircase above the TKTS booth that sells discounted Broadway tickets, framed by screaming billboards. New York Times, 28 May 2022 In down ballot contests, women did strong in certain areas of the state, particularly fast-growing Baldwin County. al, 25 May 2022 The Covid vaccines, while holding up strong against hospitalization and death, offer little protection against long Covid, according to research published Wednesday in the journal Nature Medicine. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 25 May 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English, from Old English strang; akin to Old High German strengi strong, Latin stringere to bind tight — more at strain
First Known Use
Adjective
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adverb
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing strong
Kids Definition
strong
adjective
ˈstrȯŋ
stronger
ˈstrȯŋ-gər
; strongest ˈstrȯŋ-gəst
1
: having great power in the muscles
2
: healthy sense 1
She's young and strong.
3
: not easy to injure, overcome, or resist : solid
a strong bridge
a strong opponent
a strong urge
4
: enthusiastic, zealous
a strong supporter
5
: moving with speed and force
a strong wind
6
: having much of some quality : intense
strong coffee
strong light
7
: having a great deal of power
a strong nation
8
: of a specified number
an army 10,000 strong
9
: persuasive
strong arguments
10
: well established : firm
strong beliefs
strong traditions
11
: having a powerful action or effect
strong medicine
strong discipline
12
: very noticeable
a strong resemblance
strong
adjective
1
as in powerful
having muscles capable of exerting great physical force I need some strong people to help me move furniture Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- powerful
- muscular
- mighty
- stout
- rugged
- sturdy
- sinewy
- stalwart
- masculine
- tough
- brawny
- athletic
- potent
- robust
- forceful
- hard
- vigorous
- energetic
- healthy
- strengthened
- fit
- beefy
- forcible
- virile
- trim
- burly
- husky
- puissant
- strapping
- sound
- vitalized
- toughened
- energized
- invigorated
- lusty
- hale
- hearty
- inured
- able-bodied
- red-blooded
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- weak
- feeble
- delicate
- frail
- challenged
- wimpy
- disabled
- small
- paralyzed
- powerless
- weakling
- incapacitated
- impotent
- slight
- unhealthy
- puny
- unfit
- unathletic
2
as in sturdy
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure the doctor soon declared her strong enough to go home from the hospital Synonyms & Similar Words
- sturdy
- hardy
- tough
- stout
- vigorous
- rugged
- durable
- robust
- hardened
- healthy
- toughened
- hard
- staunch
- stable
- thriving
- permanent
- resilient
- inured
- tenacious
- lasting
- hard-bitten
- enduring
- muscular
- cast-iron
- stalwart
- prospering
- unyielding
- flinty
- everlasting
- virile
- immortal
- leathery
- fortified
- tempered
- staying
- flourishing
- fit
- stanch
- sound
- brawny
- imperishable
- hale
- lusty
- husky
- strapping
- seasoned
- annealed
- red-blooded
- able-bodied
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- weak
- soft
- delicate
- weakened
- tender
- enfeebled
- worn
- fragile
- wasted
- sensitive
- exhausted
- emasculated
- diseased
- unsound
- debilitated
- vulnerable
- frail
- infirm
- puny
- crippled
- susceptible
- nonhardy
- incapacitated
- sapped
- temporary
- enervated
- yielding
- transient
- resistless
- worn-out
- run-down
- perishable
- mortal
- unresistant
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 Synonyms & Similar Words
- spicy
- pungent
- tangy
- sharp
- delicious
- nippy
- hot
- acidic
- acid
- peppery
- harsh
- piquant
- aromatic
- acrid
- exciting
- bitter
- invigorating
- zesty
- zingy
- provocative
- energizing
- acute
- keen
- putrid
- galvanizing
- flavorful
- tasty
- skunky
- gingery
- tart
- redolent
- delectable
- appetizing
- rank
- toothsome
- rancid
- savory
- palatable
- animating
- savoury
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- mild
- smooth
- soft
- gentle
- bland
- ripe
- weak
- mellow
- aged
- flat
- thin
- insipid
- dilute
- tasteless
- watery
- flavorless
- zestless
- savorless
4
as in rich
having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) strong coffee Synonyms & Similar Words
- rich
- robust
- potent
- big
- concentrated
- muscular
- heady
- lusty
- full
- full-bodied
- plush
- heavy
- fortified
- undiluted
- unmixed
- straight
- enriched
- high-octane
- high-test
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- weak
- thin
- mild
- light
- weakened
- delicate
- thinned
- dilute
- diluted
- watery
- watered-down
5
as in ripe
having an unpleasant smell the dog's strong breath nearly bowled me over Synonyms & Similar Words
- ripe
- stinking
- funky
- bad
- disgusting
- foul
- stinky
- rotted
- rotting
- filthy
- reeking
- rotten
- dirty
- fusty
- malodorous
- musty
- nasty
- rank
- smelly
- fetid
- frowsy
- reeky
- vile
- noisome
- repulsive
- frowsty
- offensive
- putrid
- spoiled
- stenchy
- frowzy
- revolting
- decaying
- spoiling
- decayed
- skunky
- stale
- noxious
- rancid
- decomposed
- odorous
- decomposing
- odoriferous
- odiferous
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- sweet
- aromatic
- fragrant
- scented
- savory
- savoury
- redolent
- perfumed
- spicy
- ambrosial
- woodsy
- flowery
- fruity
6
as in influential
having great power or influence a time when the country needs a strong leader Synonyms & Similar Words
- powerful
- influential
- significant
- important
- potent
- prominent
- mighty
- heavy
- senior
- outstanding
- great
- robust
- distinguished
- heavy-duty
- top
- puissant
- dominant
- effective
- capable
- efficient
- able
- competent
- notable
- vigorous
- famous
- celebrated
- renowned
- dynamic
- noteworthy
- energetic
- notorious
- prestigious
- forceful
- high-level
- illustrious
- authoritarian
- autocratic
- eminent
- noble
- famed
- despotic
- tyrannical
- dictatorial
- autocratical
- preeminent
- magisterial
- tyrannic
- high-powered
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- weak
- little
- feeble
- powerless
- insignificant
- helpless
- unimportant
- impotent
- flimsy
- frail
- infirm
- unknown
- anonymous
- obscure
- incapable
- ineffective
- nameless
- unfit
- incompetent
- unqualified
- unskilled
- inept
- uncelebrated
- unskillful
- inexpert
7
as in compelling
having the power to persuade made a strong argument for starting school an hour later each day Synonyms & Similar Words
- compelling
- convincing
- conclusive
- persuasive
- valid
- decisive
- effective
- cogent
- forceful
- satisfying
- telling
- definitive
- authoritative
- important
- significant
- relevant
- sound
- well-founded
- pertinent
- weighty
- material
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- ineffective
- shaky
- unconvincing
- inconclusive
- indecisive
- unfounded
- weak
- invalid
- insignificant
- unsound
- unimportant
- groundless
- unpersuasive
- feeble
- irrelevant
- uncompelling
- inconsequential
- immaterial
8
as in durable
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion buildings strong enough to withstand an earthquake Synonyms & Similar Words
- sturdy
- durable
- stable
- reliable
- solid
- stalwart
- dependable
- sound
- fast
- firm
- bombproof
- tough
- unbreakable
- cohesive
- beefy
- irrefragable
- infrangible
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- weak
- unstable
- rickety
- unsteady
- unsound
- shaky
- insecure
- infirm
- unbalanced
- wobbly
- wabbly
- unsubstantial
- tottering
- tottery
9
as in solid
not showing weakness or uncertainty a strong belief in the value of hard work Synonyms & Similar Words
- solid
- sturdy
- vigorous
- robust
- powerful
- firm
- tough
- stout
- forceful
- iron
- mighty
- lusty
- hearty
- hard
- lively
- confident
- energetic
- brisk
- unyielding
- spirited
- ironclad
- vital
- vivacious
- perky
- secure
- certain
- sprightly
- animated
- frisky
- peppy
- springy
- jazzy
- zippy
- sure
- assured
- jaunty
- sanguine
- sprightful
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- weak
- feeble
- uncertain
- fragile
- frail
- limp
- listless
- spiritless
- insecure
- diffident
- weakened
- wimpy
- frail
- spineless
- characterless
- effete
- self-doubting
- wishy-washy
- weak-kneed
Synonym Chooser
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
The meanings of stalwart and strong largely overlap; however, stalwart suggests an unshakable dependability.
stalwart environmentalists
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
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
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
Although the words tough and strong have much in common, tough implies great firmness and resiliency.
a tough political opponent