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Synonym Chooser

How is the word robust distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of robust are hale, healthy, sound, well, and wholesome. While all these words mean "enjoying or indicative of good health," robust implies the opposite of all that is delicate or sickly.

a lively, robust little boy

When would hale be a good substitute for robust?

Although the words hale and robust have much in common, hale applies particularly to robustness in old age.

still hale at the age of eighty

When can healthy be used instead of robust?

The meanings of healthy and robust largely overlap; however, healthy implies full strength and vigor as well as freedom from signs of disease.

a healthy family

When is sound a more appropriate choice than robust?

The words sound and robust are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sound emphasizes the absence of disease, weakness, or malfunction.

a sound heart

When is it sensible to use well instead of robust?

In some situations, the words well and robust are roughly equivalent. However, well implies merely freedom from disease or illness.

she has never been a well person

When might wholesome be a better fit than robust?

The words wholesome and robust can be used in similar contexts, but 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 robust Many MOFs are now remarkably robust. Stavroula Alina Kampouri, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025 Fresh ginger and garlic are used to add robust flavor to the sauce. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 9 Oct. 2025 Samsung Chromebook Deal Samsung makes a robust assortment of Chromebooks, and this one is a decent value. PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025 But a squad that has long been praised for its depth felt anything but robust. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • Moore woke up Sunday morning in a hospital room — just hours after his wife, Sidney, had given birth to their third child, a healthy baby girl named Saleh.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Reams of studies have also found that healthy diets are more expensive than unhealthy ones—sometimes as much as doubly so.
    Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The 16-track project finds Soulja experimenting with fresh sounds — from that West Coast bass to more energetic beats — all while staying true to the essence that built his legacy.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • For however long Warner is out, the 49ers will lose not only a Defensive Player of the Year candidate but also the most vocal and most energetic player in the locker room.
    The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Gregerson’s shows her at the peak of her signature tercets, weaving together the microscopic and the grand threads of science, art, and history into wonderfully rich sonic landscapes.
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2025
  • In traditional steakhouse fashion, interiors will feature rich dark woods, brass metal accents and a monochromatic palette.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Summit kept up the strong play as its defense forced and recovered a fumble from Dallas Simmons.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The panelists will share insights on how to harness hallmark moments for brand recognition, as well as how to combine brands with new sectors through innovative thinking and engage influencers in dynamic, culturally relevant ways.
    William Earl, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • When combined Robinson’s primal screams and the writing team’s knack for crafting slightly askew sentences that turn into dialogue earworms, the fake company names a potent blend of comedy that feels like it was always destined to define comedy in the 2020s.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The more potent and longer-lasting form, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is produced naturally when the body is exposed to sunlight and is also found in animal products, while vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) comes from plant or fungal sources, per the National Institutes of Health.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Dunbar’s speed presented problems for Benbrook’s defense, and Slater credited them for a well-rounded, solid performance.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2025
  • The back half of the New York Film Festival delivered a secret screening of a solid Academy Award contender, the box office smacked down a Venice Film Festival award winner, and two major contenders in the acting fields up and switched their categories.
    Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on robust

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