wholesome

whole·some

adjective \ˈhōl-səm\

Definition of WHOLESOME

1

: promoting health or well-being of mind or spirit

2

: promoting health of body

3

a : sound in body, mind, or morals

b : having the simple health or vigor of normal domesticity

4

a : based on well-grounded fear : prudent <a wholesome respect for the law>

b : safe <it wouldn't be wholesome for you to go down there — Mark Twain>

— whole·some·ly adverb

— whole·some·ness noun

Examples of WHOLESOME

1. a wholesome dish made with vegetables
2. less-than-wholesome entertainment that wasn't appropriate for children
3. a young actor known for his wholesome good looks

First Known Use of WHOLESOME

13th century

Related to WHOLESOME

Synonyms

able-bodied, bouncing, fit, hale, hearty, robust, sound, well, well-conditioned, whole, healthy

Antonyms

ailing, diseased, ill, sick, unfit, unhealthy, unsound, unwell

Related Words

hard, hardy, iron, lusty, rugged, stalwart, strong, sturdy, tough; ambulatory, nondisabled, uncrippled; active, agile, chipper, lively, sprightful, sprightly, spry, vigorous, vital; blooming, clean-cut, flourishing, flush, prospering, thriving; all right, good, right

Near Antonyms

decrepit, enfeebled, feeble, infirm, run-down, sickened, sickly, weak, weakened, weakly, worn-out; challenged, crippled, debilitated, differently abled, disabled, halt, incapacitated, lame; delicate, fragile, frail; emaciated, gaunt, haggard, malnourished, undernourished; afflicted, troubled; bad, poorly

See Synonym Discussion at healthful, healthy

Rhymes with WHOLESOME

dolesome