sturdy
7 synonyms and 4 antonyms for sturdy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Strongly built and unlikely to break or give way.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use sturdy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sturdy build
sturdy table
sturdy shoes
Etymology
From Middle English sturdy ("bold, fierce, strong"), from Old French estourdi ("dazed"), ultimately from a Latin root — the "physically strong" sense developed later, in the 14th century.
Full origin of sturdy →Frequently asked questions
What does “sturdy” mean?
The word “sturdy” means strongly built and unlikely to break or give way. In plain terms, solidly built and durable, or (of a person or stance) firm and unwavering.
How do you pronounce “sturdy”?
“Sturdy” is pronounced STUR-dee (/ˈstɜrdi/ in IPA).
How do you use “sturdy” in a sentence?
Here is “sturdy” used in a sentence: “They needed a sturdy ladder to reach the roof.”
What is another word for “sturdy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sturdy” include hardy, staunch and stalwart.
What part of speech is “sturdy”?
“Sturdy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sturdy” come from?
The word “sturdy” dates back to around 1300 and comes from Latin. From Middle English sturdy ("bold, fierce, strong"), from Old French estourdi ("dazed"), ultimately from a Latin root — the "physically strong" sense developed later, in the 14th century.
Is “sturdy” a common word?
“Sturdy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sturdy” have?
“Sturdy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: strongly built and unlikely to break or give way.
