Another Word for Strong: 21 Synonyms with Examples
“Strong” covers physical power, toughness, intensity and persuasiveness. Choosing the exact sense makes the writing sharper.
As an adjective: physically powerful
- powerful
- muscular
- sturdy
- robust
- tough
- mighty
As an adjective: hard to break or damage
- durable
- solid
- sturdy
- resilient
- hard-wearing
- firm
As an adjective: intense or concentrated
- intense
- potent
- vivid
- concentrated
- pronounced
As an adjective: convincing
- compelling
- persuasive
- convincing
- sound
- solid
- cogent
Need a different word?Look up any word in the synonym finder →
How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- powerful
- Emphasises force or effect; it works for people, engines, arguments and speeches.
- robust
- Suggests something that keeps working under stress, such as a system, economy or design.
- resilient
- Means able to recover after pressure, not just resist it.
- compelling
- For arguments and evidence: hard to ignore or disagree with.
- potent
- Used for substances, drinks and symbols with a strong effect.
Example sentences
- powerful: The final speech was short but powerful.
- robust: The bridge was built with a robust steel frame.
- resilient: Small businesses proved surprisingly resilient during the downturn.
- compelling: The study offers compelling evidence that sleep affects memory.
- potent: The flag became a potent symbol of resistance.
Opposite of strong
- weak
- feeble
- fragile
- frail
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “strong”. Check the meaning before you use one.
adjective: stiff
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “strong”?
The most useful alternatives are “powerful”, “muscular”, “sturdy”, “robust”, “tough”. For the main sense (physically powerful), “powerful” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “powerful” and “robust”?
powerful: Emphasises force or effect; it works for people, engines, arguments and speeches. robust: Suggests something that keeps working under stress, such as a system, economy or design.
What is the opposite of “strong”?
Common antonyms are “weak”, “feeble”, “fragile”, “frail”.