STABLE Synonyms: 251 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

stable 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of stable

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fixed

having been established and usually not subject to change a troubled nation badly in need of a stable government

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in normal

having full use of one's mind and control over one's actions she made some strange decisions back when she wasn't entirely stable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in steady

not undergoing a change in condition a stable economic climate is best for business

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

stable

2 of 3

noun

as in host

Related Words

stable

3 of 3

verb

as in to home

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

eject
evict

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

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

On Friday police said the 7-year-old is in serious but stable condition. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026 She was taken to a hospital and was reported in stable condition. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Noun

The closing brings to an end a year-long saga over who would control two century-old movie studios along with a pedigreed stable of TV studios, streaming services and networks including HBO and CNN. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026 Kyler Murray no longer looks like an NFL starter, especially without All-Pro Justin Jefferson in his stable of receivers. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026

Verb

Experience, leadership, someone that can stable (sic) the vote. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026 But in its fourth year, the Bahrain Turf Series — under the stewardship of Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa — has opened up an easy pathway for international horses to compete, especially from UK stables more accustomed to grass than dirt. — Camilla Wright, semafor.com, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stable

Adjective

The shoes balanced on a slender yet sturdy stiletto heel measuring around three inches.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
The result has been sturdy economic growth, even as lower-income and even middle-income households have continued to struggle under stubborn inflation and declining earnings.

— Rob Wile, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of sturdy

Adjective

With stimulus checks gone and student loan payments back, Maggiulli suggests the drop may partly be a return to normal.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
In both cases, people with pre-existing hypertension experienced bigger drops in systolic and diastolic pressure than those with normal blood pressure.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of normal

Adjective

Because the switching happens thousands of times a second, the device can hold voltage steady, absorb a disturbance or operate in reverse, pushing power backward from batteries toward the grid.

— Alex Pasternack, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
What everyday movements reveal Standing from a chair requires a stable base, enough ankle and hip mobility to shift your weight forward, lower body and core strength to lift yourself, and balance to keep you steady.

— Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of steady

Adjective

But zest was one of just two strengths (the other is hope) that had the strongest relationship to mental well-being across countries and age groups.

— Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026
However, some safety advocates and Senator Maria Cantwell want a stronger federal review process.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of strong

Adjective

People with the second phenotype, called durable, might have grown up in a predictable world—for example, a strict religious sect or just a family that experienced little change—and developed only certain coping strategies as a result.

— Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
Whether the 6-foot-9, 240-pound former Purdue forward actually enters the game is less certain.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of certain

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“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stable. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of stable

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noun

verb

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Synonyms of stable

adjective

noun

verb

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Phrases Containing stable

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Cite this Entry

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