stable 1 of 3

Definition of stablenext
1
as in sturdy
marked by the ability to withstand stress without structural damage or distortion the observation tower is stable enough to withstand the strongest winds without collapsing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

stable

2 of 3

noun

stable

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stable are durable, lasting, and permanent. While all these words mean "enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established," stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

When might durable be a better fit than stable?

The synonyms durable and stable are sometimes interchangeable, but durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

When is it sensible to use lasting instead of stable?

The words lasting and stable can be used in similar contexts, but lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

When would permanent be a good substitute for stable?

While the synonyms permanent and stable are close in meaning, permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

How does the adjective stable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stable are durable, lasting, and permanent. While all these words mean "enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established," stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

When might durable be a better fit than stable?

The synonyms durable and stable are sometimes interchangeable, but durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

When is it sensible to use lasting instead of stable?

The words lasting and stable can be used in similar contexts, but lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

When would permanent be a good substitute for stable?

While the synonyms permanent and stable are close in meaning, permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

How does the adjective stable contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stable are durable, lasting, and permanent. While all these words mean "enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established," stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

When might durable be a better fit than stable?

The synonyms durable and stable are sometimes interchangeable, but durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

When is it sensible to use lasting instead of stable?

The words lasting and stable can be used in similar contexts, but lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

When would permanent be a good substitute for stable?

While the synonyms permanent and stable are close in meaning, permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of stable
Adjective
When affordable homes are built near jobs, schools and everyday services, families are more stable, businesses can better retain workers and the entire region is stronger. Ryan Von Weller, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026 One Secret Service agent was shot, but was released from the hospital Sunday morning in stable condition. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
By the mid-1960s, Motown and its stable of labels were a music industry powerhouse. Brian McCollum, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 This year, the Panthers added Dillon as a just-in-case option behind their current stable following the departure of Dowdle, who had a breakout campaign in 2025. Mike Kaye april 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
Once listed for $22.9 million, the estate has polo fields, equestrian stables with 13 stalls, and no less than 700 feet of private Lake Michigan beach access. Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026 Designed by architect Isay Weinfeld, the sprawling equine complex features grass and sand tracks, show jumping, and polo facilities, marked trails across the estate, and stables for 200 horses. Rana Good, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stable
Adjective
  • The team-captain label and All-American honors help, but the real selling points are Schrauth’s sturdy frame, strong hands and a physical style that works in tight quarters.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • In an untitled work from 1995, a cluster of sturdy wagons sits at the edge of a frozen lake, a site where her family of peripatetic horse traders often camped.
    Ben Davis, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Even if those issues could be addressed, the tax base would not remain fixed.
    Martha E. Stark, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Moments of humor sit alongside lamentation and ritual intensity, underscoring the exhibition’s refusal of a single, fixed reading.
    George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Sneaky Jon Cooper The Bolts showed their normal forward lines in pregame warmups, but then had other ideas once the puck dropped Friday night.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • All need normal care to become established, are freeze resistant and make durable plants for the landscape.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Then last June, the Nuggets snatched Wallace back from Minnesota, hiring him as their new co-general manager alongside his friend Ben Tenzer — another longtime Connelly disciple who’d been a steady hand behind the scenes in Denver’s front office since 2013.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • That drives pocket-protector wearing water engineers a little crazy, because steady outcomes are what these men and women live for.
    Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In addition, the formula features a host of botanical oils for extra smoothing and a soft-to-the-touch feel.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Martin recounts her experience to co-host Steve Inskeep.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The creation of such a time-capsule milieu is Smith’s longtime directorial strength of course, even if occasionally at the expense of homing in an audience on a specific moment.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026
  • But in recent years, researchers have homed in specifically on behaviors that indicate compulsive use of social media.
    Carmel Wroth, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Jessica Chmielewski, Colleen Gartlan and Ella Riordan led a strong defensive effort in front of Noone.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Set one clear boundary today and confirm expectations so your commitments stay strong and manageable.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Gukesh’s training was unusual in certain respects.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • There’s a certain attitude Seattle is searching for in its quest to build a roster capable of winning a second consecutive championship.
    Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on stable

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster