We developed lyophobic magnetorheological suspensions with improved gravitational stability. The space-spanning particle network arising from lyophobic aggregation is responsible for this enhancement. The lyophobic effect in the presence of the magnetic field can be overcome by decreasing the number of lyophobic particles or through the addition of magnetic nanoparticles, leaving a considerable magnetorheological response in the sample. This work emphasizes the advantages of lyophobic force in the control of the sedimentation stability of magnetorheological suspensions without the need for anti-setting additives. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.