Definition of healthynext
1
2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word healthy distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of healthy are hale, robust, sound, well, and wholesome. While all these words mean "enjoying or indicative of good health," healthy implies full strength and vigor as well as freedom from signs of disease.

a healthy family

Where would hale be a reasonable alternative to healthy?

While in some cases nearly identical to healthy, hale applies particularly to robustness in old age.

still hale at the age of eighty

When is robust a more appropriate choice than healthy?

While the synonyms robust and healthy are close in meaning, robust implies the opposite of all that is delicate or sickly.

a lively, robust little boy

When might sound be a better fit than healthy?

Although the words sound and healthy have much in common, sound emphasizes the absence of disease, weakness, or malfunction.

a sound heart

When would well be a good substitute for healthy?

The words well and healthy can be used in similar contexts, but well implies merely freedom from disease or illness.

she has never been a well person

In what contexts can wholesome take the place of healthy?

The meanings of wholesome and healthy largely overlap; however, wholesome implies appearance and behavior indicating soundness and balance.

a face with a wholesome glow

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 healthy Miku at least seems to recognize that might not be so healthy, but Airi is unconvinced. — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 23 Sep. 2026 Stifel expects Copilot and other AI tools to help sustain healthy average revenue per user gains for the Microsoft 365 software subscription business in years to come. — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026 James is now a healthy 16-year-old and the team manager for his high school's freshmen football team. — Aleja Hertzler-McCain, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026 More than a quarter (27%) have specifically cut back on healthy foods. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for healthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for healthy
Adjective
  • Rest assured, all is well with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl ring.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Her roommates, in their graying union suits, seemed happy enough with well water.
    — Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Lisa finding peace was a good start to a fresh start, but clearly there’s more work to be done.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Its onboard offerings, wide array of itineraries and shore excursions—particularly those that are food and wine-driven—easily combine education, adventure, and good fun.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Buffett made substantial charitable donations during his lifetime.
    — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Census data show a large majority of the city’s population is foreign-born, with Venezuelans making up a substantial portion of Doral residents.
    — Ivan Taylor, Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Golf photographer Brian Murphy says that Orlando’s thriving golf scene is ideal for residents who enjoy the game.
    — Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The Braves, who reported $732 million in revenue in 2025, should trade for an even higher revenue multiple than the Angels because the Braves have a thriving real-estate development around their stadium, Colvin argued.
    — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Both need a robust GOP turnout to win in November and neither wants to risk alienating too many within the party’s xenophobic, anti-immigrant wing.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
  • That means there will be precious little time for robust debate, either in the board itself or among the public in general.
    — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • This is not a medical spa and therefore there is no nutrition concept, but healthful snacks like fruit grown on property and nuts are available in the changing spaces, hydrotherapy zone and the relaxation rooms.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • As more people choose to stay in their homes longer, homeowners are looking for ways to create spaces that support and enhance healthful living with longevity in mind.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Profitability is improving, although the latest quarter got a boost from a sizable tariff refund .
    — Stephanie Link, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Lenders tend to look more favorably upon more creditworthy borrowers, especially with a loan as sizable as a mortgage.
    — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 23 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Improving our communication — sharing important information in a timely manner, supporting the manager in creating clear direction between departments are steps needed to unify our city and have a prosperous future for North Miami Beach.
    — Miami Herald staff, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Trump will contend that destroying Iran's nuclear program and securing military interests in Greenland will result in a safer and more prosperous world, the official said.
    — Miles J. Herszenhorn, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Healthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/healthy. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!