Another word for strong
The best other words for strong are robust, compelling, piquant and powerful.
- Most formal
- acute, resilient, potent
- Strongest
- potent, formidable, intense
- Instead of “really strong”
- powerful, intense, potent
Strong /strɔŋ/ (adjective): having great physical power, force, intensity, or influence. In simple words: having a lot of power, force, or a big effect. Below are 21 rated synonyms across 4 senses, plus 29 more related words. Tap a chip for its nuance and an example.
25 synonyms shown
Physical power · adjective
having much physical strength or force
Forceful effect · adjective
having a strong effect, impact, or influence
High degree · adjective
having a high concentration, level, or intensity
Robust taste · adjective
having a rich, full flavor or smell
Find the right strength and register
Drag the amber target to how strong and how formal you need the word to be. The three closest synonyms light up.
You asked for: equal strength, neutral register
- powerful — broader physical or effective force
- brawny — large and physically powerful
- muscular — built with visible muscles
The dashed ring marks “strong” itself: neutral strength, neutral register.
Synonyms for strong in your sentence
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How to choose
Use strong when you mean general strength; choose a more specific synonym when you want to highlight force, durability, conviction, or taste. Strong is broad and natural, but words like potent, robust, and compelling can sound sharper or more precise in the right context.
Antonyms of strong
- weak
- feeble
- frail
- slight
- mild
- gentle
- powerless
- fragile
All synonyms at a glance
| Synonym | Strength | Formality | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| powerful | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative |
| muscular | 2/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| sturdy | 2/5 | neutral | business, casual, creative |
| robust | 3/5 | neutral | business, casual, creative |
| resilient | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| brawny | 3/5 | neutral | creative, casual |
| potent | 4/5 | formal | academic, business |
| effective | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| impactful | 3/5 | neutral | business, creative, casual |
| compelling | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| convincing | 3/5 | neutral | academic, business, casual |
| formidable | 4/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
| intense | 4/5 | neutral | academic, business, creative, casual |
| heavy | 3/5 | neutral | business, casual, creative |
| pronounced | 3/5 | formal | academic, business |
| deep | 3/5 | neutral | creative, casual |
| bold | 3/5 | neutral | business, casual, creative |
| acute | 4/5 | academic | academic |
| full-bodied | 3/5 | neutral | business, casual, creative |
| rich | 3/5 | neutral | business, casual, creative |
| piquant | 3/5 | formal | academic, business, creative |
Instead of “very strong”
One precise word usually beats an intensifier. See the full words instead of “very” list.
| Instead of | Try |
|---|---|
| really strong | powerful, intense, potent |
| very strong | powerful, intense, robust |
| strong enough | sufficient, adequate, enough |
More words related to strong
Looser matches and phrases, unrated. Check the sense before you swap one in, or compare it with “strong”.
- forceful
- stout
- solid
- sound
- durable
- tough
- hardy
- vigorous
- energetic
- firm
- rattling
- stiff
- resistant
- efficient
- persuasive
- striking
- marked
- full-flavored
- pungent
- sharp
- robustness
- strength
- force
- might
- power
- stamina
- endurance
- vigor
- resilience
Questions about synonyms for strong
What is the most formal or academic synonym for strong?
It depends on the sense, but robust, potent, and pronounced are often the most formal choices. Robust works well for durability or growth, while potent is better for effects or influence.
What is a stronger word than strong?
Formidable, intense, and potent can feel stronger depending on the meaning. Formidable suggests something hard to face, while intense and potent emphasize high force or effect.
What is a milder alternative to strong?
Powerful is usually close to strong, but not always milder; sturdy and effective are often softer choices in the right context. If you want a gentler tone, choose the synonym that narrows the meaning rather than heightens it.
What is another word for strong when you mean a powerful effect?
Good choices include forceful, effective, potent, and convincing. The best word depends on whether you mean physical force, a strong argument, or a strong flavor.
What is another word for strong in simple words?
Simple alternatives include powerful, hard, firm, or tough. For taste, people often say rich or full-bodied instead of strong.