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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 But, now that a more robust film incentive passed in Texas, Powell has high hopes of changing that should the show get a second season. Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Sep. 2025 Google received even more robust penalties than the fast-fashion e-tailer. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2025 The research—co-designed with Hyperemesis Australia and supported by the Robinson Research Institute at the University of Adelaide—calls for greater investment in support services and more robust studies on the long-term effects of HG and its treatments. Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 Progressives look longingly at European social democracies, where national health insurance and robust public transit were won years ago. David Weigel, semafor.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • Reducing Visceral Fat While following a healthy diet is always beneficial, research is mixed on whether diet alone can significantly reduce visceral fat.
    Kristen Fischer, Health, 28 Aug. 2025
  • Abbott said the legislation puts Texas on a healthier path, crediting Kennedy with galvanizing healthier living movement.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Fischl referenced the great Greek athletic nudes, such as Myron’s discus thrower, to achieve not just the portrayal of continuous energetic motion but also the suggestion that great human athleticism is about a stopping point, calculated containment.
    Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Originally bred as cattle herders in the Swiss Alps, these dogs are energetic and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Whole foods rich in natural color are packed with the vitamins and antioxidants growing bodies need.
    Jazmine A. Ortiz, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Romaine lettuce, for example, is richer in nutrients than iceberg lettuce because its leaves let in more sunlight.
    Lauren O'Connor, Health, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Reese wants to skip through the rebuilding process, but doing so has already put Chicago in a position in which building a stronger talent base is going to be much more difficult.
    Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Speaking to the crowd before the march, Eve Devitt, an Idaho human rights activist, said that LGBTQ+ history is built on fighting for rights, which makes the community stronger.
    Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Alchemist became known for his sample-heavy work, often mining disco, soul and R&B records from the 1970s and 1980s for snippets that became the foundations of his sturdy but atmospheric productions.
    Christine Werthman, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The bottoms have a sturdy rubber sole with traction that grips the ground, which is also helpful for unpredictable fall weather.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Saturday's opponent, Arkansas State, promises to have a much more dynamic attack with quarterback Jaylen Raynor and plenty of speed at the skill positions.
    Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The Argentina squad has continued to get younger and more dynamic.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Arquila will spearhead an always-potent running game, which could include versatile senior Jack Bucar, junior Gavin Stone and sophomores Logan Lennon and Kelen Wilson.
    Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
  • The weed making its way from hand-to-hand is potent.
    Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • These are available in five sizes, along with plenty of fun patterns, solid colors, and an all-black pack.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Nina Energy turns scraps into solid biofuels and biochar.
    Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.

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