robust

adjective ro·bust \ rō-ˈbəst , ˈrō-(ˌ)bəst \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: robust in a Sentence

Definition of robust

1 a : having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health

b : having or showing vigor, strength, or firmness

a robust debate

a robust faith

c : strongly formed or constructed : sturdy

a robust plastic

d : capable of performing without failure under a wide range of conditions

robust software

2 : rough, rude

stories … laden with robust, down-home imagery
—Playboy

3 : requiring strength or vigor

robust work

4 : full-bodied

robust coffee

; also : hearty

a robust dinner

5 : relating to, resembling, or being a specialized group of australopithecines characterized especially by heavy molars and small incisors adapted to a vegetarian diet

Note: Robust australopithecines are included in the genus Australopithecus along with gracile forms or placed in the separate genus Paranthropus.

— compare gracile 3

—

robustly

adverb

—

robustness

play \rō-ˈbəs(t)-nəs, ˈrō-(ˌ)bəs(t)-\ noun

See robust defined for English-language learners

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Examples of robust in a Sentence

If Singapore, just seven miles to the north with its glittering skyline and robust economy, is Southeast Asia's Cinderella, Batam is her dark sister. —Peter Gwin, National Geographic, October 2007
The greatest gains in mine mechanization came in a burst of innovation following World War II, when robust new machines were developed … —Robert L. Marovelli, Scientific American, September 1982
Humfry was a man whom everyone noticed. His stature was above ordinary, his complexion sanguine, his conversation lively, and his constitution robust. —Samuel Eliot Morison, The European Discovery of America, 1971
Why is almost every robust healthy boy with a robust healthy soul in him, at some time or other crazy to go to sea? —Herman Melville, Moby Dick, 1851
robust young men and women
He is in robust health.
The sauce has a robust flavor.

Recent Examples of robust from the Web

Germany has flourished under Chancellor Angela Merkel over the last 12 years, with record-low unemployment and robust economic growth.

— elisabeth behrmann, Bloomberg.com, "Germany’s Big Pay-Gap Problem," 3 June 2018
This redesign of the redesign may still save Snapchat and bring it back to robust growth and relevance.

— helena_fitzgerald, The Verge, "The decline of Snapchat and the secret joy of internet ghost towns," 18 May 2018
Looser regulations and the robust economy can take time to translate into more lending.

— emily flitter, New York Times, "Bank Earnings Climb in Growing Economy, but Lending Doesn’t Keep Pace," 13 July 2018
Gains from corporate tax cuts, a robust U.S. economy and confidence among small businesses and consumers have given corporate earnings a fresh boost this year, helping offset headwinds like fractious trade policies and rising interest rates.

— michael wursthorn, WSJ, "With Stock Market in Lull, Investors Pin Hopes on Earnings Boom," 10 July 2018
Our highest priority must be maintaining a robust economy so California can provide its residents with a good quality of life and funding for education and health care.

— sacbee, "Antonia Hernandez," 27 June 2018
More Money: Why aren't many Americans benefiting from the robust U.S. economy?

— ben tobin, USA TODAY, "Does it pay to host the World Cup?," 19 June 2018
Fred Birnbaum, the foundation’s vice president, said a robust economy means anyone in Idaho who is able-bodied and looking can find a job and, even working part-time, earn enough to purchase subsidized coverage on the state exchange.

— mark z. barabak, latimes.com, "Obamacare used to be political poison for Democrats. Now they see it as a winning prescription — even in red states," 11 June 2018
With a robust economy and near-record low unemployment rate, 2018 is shaping up to be the best year in the past decade for job seekers.

— nicole spector /, NBC News, "Amid a robust economy and low unemployment, why can't grads get hired?," 20 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'robust.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of robust

Latin robustus oaken, strong, from robor-, robur oak, strength

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

robust Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of robust

healthy, sound, wholesome, robust, hale, well mean enjoying or indicative of good health. healthy implies full strength and vigor as well as freedom from signs of disease.