Definition of robustnext
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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 China leaps ahead The recent curtailing of rapid EV expansion in the United States is in stark contrast with China and Europe, where EVs enjoy robust consumer demand and political support. Allie Canal, NBC news, 7 Apr. 2026 Harari transitioned into physical production at the Skouras Agency, and built a robust client list across cinematography, production design and editorial. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026 Online debate is already robust about the offering. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 7 Apr. 2026 Jefferies upgrades Boot Barn to buy from hold Jefferies cited robust demand. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • But his family says Ty was perfectly healthy before suddenly dying.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Kailer Yamamoto and Liam O’Brien, who was in the lineup after 18 games as a healthy scratch, also scored for the Mammoth, who won their fourth straight road game.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Outside of work, Porter loves to spend time with his wife and very energetic 2 year old son.
    Greg Porter, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Smith was bubbly and energetic, loved by her family and friends at Highland Park Academy, Maddox said.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Surprisingly, there are a few dresses worn by society figures of a bygone age when Denver was an up-and-coming metropolis, made rich by mining and the westward expansion of American culture.
    Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Eventually, rich and liberal Harvard joined the cost-cutting trend.
    John Cassidy, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Royal Bahamian police said Brian Hooker told investigators that his wife fell over from an 8-foot hard-bottom dinghy — along with the keys to the boat — and she was carried away by strong rip currents.
    Cristian Benavides, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The National Weather Service says strong winds could generate breaking waves of 8 feet causing dune erosion and road overwash.
    Mark Price April 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The inner ball is made from sturdy solid styrofoam.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The dynamic stage production, directed by Phillip M Church, features Justine Chichester, Shawn Buller and Laquantis Morton who deliver—verbatim—Taussig’s inspiring and evocative voice.
    Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Bringing all these together to shape the future of denim in a meaningful way is incredibly motivating, especially with the strength of our dynamic and experienced team.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The move took away one of Orlando’s most potent attacking threats, but the Pride continued pushing to find a goal.
    Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Chelmsford’s potent offense will be tough to limit and the Lions will be competitive, while Andover also figures to be a dangerous threat.
    Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The company creates solid state drives that are about the size of a deck of cards.
    James Taylor, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s solid performance stalled in the seventh inning.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

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