1
2
3
4

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 Keppler said the employee that allowed the overflow to occur faced disciplinary action, and Veolia is in the process of implementing a more robust turnover process so this does not happen in the future. Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025 Many can run off your phone plan or use a dedicated SIM card for more robust coverage. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2025 Garlic Parmesan Brings Familiar Flavor Garlic Parmesan mac & cheese combines a creamy base with robust garlic and parmesan notes, giving the dish a flavor profile that feels a bit elevated while still being family- and kid-friendly. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025 Beyond its overall streaming returns, which should still be fairly robust for its full first week, Drama is also expected to sell well. Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • Johnson praised the president’s campaign advising Salvadorans on how to stay healthy during COVID-19.
    T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Beverage makers are grappling with consumers’ desires for healthier fare, and sales of beer and soda have ebbed.
    Brian Steinberg, Variety, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Jubilant, energetic and celebratory — for small moments and big.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • With an intimate and energetic lens, the film pulls back the curtain on this iconic American gathering, and showcases the rhythms that bring the pow wow to life.
    Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One way is when iron-rich rock is exposed to high temperatures and acidic conditions, but neither are evident in the area around Cheyava Falls.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 1 Oct. 2025
  • The story has too many rich details to be a lie, and Marlon knows something of woe too.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Though he was outdueled by Aaron Nola, whose bid for perfection was broken up by Christian Vázquez’s solo home run with two outs in the sixth inning, Ryan turned in one final strong start to cap the best season of his career.
    Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 27 Sep. 2025
  • While Xaverian had one final opportunity late, the Golden Eagles stood strong defensively.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • No matter what someone’s day entails, a sturdy tote bag is sure to come in handy.
    L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Sep. 2025
  • If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 25 Sep. 2025
  • The machine’s dynamic focusing system ensures uniform marking, guaranteeing accuracy and consistency across production.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 25 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • His crushing final monologue, in which Vladimir confronts his own nihilism, is as potent as anything you're bound to see on Broadway this year.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025
  • The trajectory of the game flipped on Leo Chenal’s interception of Lamar Jackson as the defense muzzled one of the NFL’s most potent offenses.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The research team also highlighted that sodium chemistries are attractive, yet sodium solid electrolytes show limited room-temperature ionic conductivity.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2025
  • However, if that is not an option, the sheriff's office suggests immediately getting inside a vehicle or a solid building with a roof once thunder is present.
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on robust

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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