strong

Formsstronger, strongest

1. 1
   muscle poweradjective

   Having great physical force, like a person who can lift heavy things, or a powerful wind or current.

   Like a machine that can lift heavy loads with ease.

   He is strong enough to carry both suitcases at once.

   Years of training gave the wrestler very strong arms.

   UsageSay strong enough (not incorrect: enough strong).

   Similarpowerful

   Oppositeweak

   Note
2. 2
   intenseadjective

   So great or harsh that it is hard to ignore.

   Like a light so bright it hurts to look at.

   There was a strong wind during the storm.

   She had a strong feeling that something was wrong.

   UsageSay a strong feeling or strong opposition.

   Similarintense, fierce, powerful, vehement, deep

   Oppositemild, weak, slight, faint

3. 3
   very goodadjective

   Very good or impressive.

   He is a strong student in math.

   The team made a strong start to the season.

   UsageSay strong in math. That's strong! is casual.

   Similarimpressive, great, excellent, solid, superb

   Oppositeweak, poor, lame, mediocre

   Note
4. 4
   hard to breakadjective

   Hard to break, bend, or damage, even when pushed very hard.

   Like a thick rope that holds even when you pull hard on it.

   This rope is strong, so it won't break when you pull hard.

   The bridge is strong enough to hold heavy trucks.

   Similartough, sturdy, durable

   Oppositefragile

   Note
5. 5
   adjective

   Powerful and hard to beat, like a strong army or team.

   Like a big team that can beat much smaller ones.

   A strong country can defend itself in a war.

   The king built a strong army to protect the borders.

   Similarpowerful, mighty, formidable, potent

   Oppositeweak, feeble, powerless, vulnerable

6. 6
   firm willadjective

   Not giving up easily, even when things are hard.

   Like a tree that stands firm through a heavy storm.

   She stayed strong after losing her job.

   He has a strong will and never quits.

   UsagePeople say stay strong.

   Similarzealous, ardent

   Oppositeweak, irresolute, wavering

7. 7
   adjective

   Of a friendship or link between people or groups, close and lasting, so it does not break easily.

   The two sisters have a strong bond, even though they live far apart.

   Our town has strong ties with a sister city in Japan.

   UsageSay a strong friendship or strong ties.

   Similarclose, solid, firm, deep

   Oppositeweak, fragile

8. 8
   convincingadjective

   Good enough to make people believe you are right.

   Like an answer so clear that no one can argue with it.

   She made a strong case for changing the rules.

   The lawyer had strong proof of his client's innocence.

   UsageSay strong evidence or a strong argument.

   Similarconvincing, compelling, persuasive, cogent, solid

   Oppositeweak, flimsy, unconvincing, tenuous

9. 9
   adjective

   Very easy to smell, taste, or see, and very intense.

   Like the sharp smell of a cut onion that makes your eyes water.

   The cheese had such a strong smell that we opened the windows.

   The old milk had a strong, sour taste.

   UsageSay a strong smell of something.

   Similarintense, powerful

   Oppositefaint, mild, weak, subtle

10. 10
    adjective

    Having a lot of the main ingredient, like strong coffee or strong drink.

    Like adding lots of sugar to water so the taste is very sweet.

    This bleach is so strong that you should add water before using it.

    The doctor gave her a strong medicine for the pain.

    UsageSay strong coffee or strong tea. The opposite is weak.

    Similarconcentrated, potent

    Oppositeweak, diluted, watery, mild

11. 11
    adverb

    In a way that shows great power, force, or energy.

    The runners finished strong despite the afternoon heat.

    The home team came out strong in the first half.

    UsageSay still going strong, not with -ly.

    Similarwell, vigorously, powerfully, forcefully

    Oppositeweakly, poorly, feebly

    Note
12. 12
    adjective

    Very easy to notice, like an accent or the way two people look alike.

    He grew up in Texas and still has a strong accent.

    The boy has a strong chin and thick dark eyebrows.

    UsageSay a strong accent or a strong likeness.

    Similarstriking, marked, pronounced, distinct

    Oppositefaint, slight, weak

13. 13
    in numberadjective

    Having a stated number of people or things in a group.

    The volunteers arrived thirty strong to clean up the park.

    By noon the crowd outside the gates was a thousand strong.

    UsagePut the number first: five hundred strong.

    Note
14. 14
    wealthyadjective

    Having a lot of money or other resources.

    Like a wallet that is always full no matter what you spend.

    The company is financially strong, with plenty of money saved up.

    Our club is financially strong, so we can buy new equipment.

    UsageOften financially strong.

    Similarwealthy, rich, sound, prosperous, solvent

    Oppositeweak, poor, insolvent

Showing meanings only. Show all 18