MUSCULAR Synonyms: 146 Similar and Opposite Words

muscular

adjective

ˈmə-skyə-lər

Definition of muscular

as in athletic

marked by a well-developed musculature Olympic runners tend to have very muscular legs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in strong

having muscles capable of exerting great physical force a muscular superhero who can easily lift a ton or more

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in aggressive

marked by or uttered with forcefulness a presidential speech that promises to be a muscular enunciation of the nation's foreign policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rich

having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) a muscular red wine that goes especially well with beef

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 muscular Across domains such as cognition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular strength, that window can end well before a person becomes unhealthy or unable to work. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 There are a number of eating behaviors, some of which might be considered disordered eating behaviors, that people trying to become muscular often engage in. — Ashleigh N. Deluca, STAT, 20 Aug. 2026 The space is pristine and remote, surrounded by woods and loons and big muscular-looking boulders for perching on and thinking deep thoughts. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 As mentioned, South Asian modern art exceeded $100 million in auction sales in 2025, capping several years of increasingly muscular results. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for muscular

Recent Examples of Synonyms for muscular

Adjective

California permits students to participate in athletic teams and in competitions that match their gender, regardless of what gender is listed on their records.

— Paris Barraza, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
Driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, swimming pools, athletic courts, terraces and other hard surfaces count, too.

— Luisa Yanez Updated September 3, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of athletic

Adjective

Davis delivered a strong preseason, but he is now likely headed to a redshirt rookie season unless injuries strike at tackle.

— Dan Duggan, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
There’s no denying that the fall 2026 runways made a strong case for color; even the street style scene is on board, slipping into colorful shoes and sporting handbags in a variety of vibrant shades—baby pink, chartreuse, and cobalt.

— Laura Jackson, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of strong

Adjective

Between the classic crossbody design, gold hardware accents, and rich color, this purse is anything but basic.

— Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
This luxe accent chair invites fall into your home with its rich velvet upholstery and warm cinnamon shade.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of rich

Adjective

One of Nebel’s major works was still there — The Wrestlers, a huge plaster work of two sinewy men locked in combat, which had been his thesis as a student.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 30 July 2026
The White man, his sinewy, tattooed arms already beet-red from the sun, shouldered the cross from the center beam.

— John Blake, CNN Money, 19 July 2026

Definition of sinewy

Adjective

Bonnell has previously shown the larger 902, which is expected to become the more powerful flagship of the company's e-Moto range.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
This quietly powerful exploration of familial bonds across generations is a story of finding hope and the importance of a home.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of powerful

Adjective

Paramasivam’s death has fueled a vigorous protest campaign by the Commercial and Industrial Workers Union, Asia Floor Wage Alliance, Global Labor Justice and other groups.

— Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
Puppies should not engage in vigorous tug-of-war games because too much tugging can create jaw or bite problems.

— BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of vigorous

Adjective

And during a second-quarter earnings call with analysts Thursday, Ulta Beauty CEO Kecia Steelman reported that K-beauty momentum continued, with robust double-digit growth in category sales compared to the same period last year.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Its celebrity pedigree is astonishing (spokespersons and fans include Jane Fonda, Martha Stewart, Andie MacDowell, Heidi Klum, etc), its offerings are robust, and many, if not most of its products, are five-star successes.

— Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of robust

Browse Nearby Words

muscling

muscular

muscularity

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Muscular.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/muscular. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of muscular

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes