ABLE-BODIED Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

able-bodied

adjective

ˌā-bəl-ˈbä-dēd

Definition of able-bodied

as in healthy

enjoying health and vigor every able-bodied young man in the village had been sent off to fight in the war

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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 able-bodied The study also focused primarily on white, able-bodied participants, so results may not translate to other groups. — Allison Forsyth, Health, 22 May 2026 That includes work or job-training expectations for able-bodied adults receiving assistance, temporary workforce placement when needed, and better coordination between programs so help reaches those truly in need. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 The law created stricter working requirements for able-bodied individuals ages 18-64 who have SNAP benefits. — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026 Gender-affirming procedures should be treated like any other elective medical procedure for able-bodied adults, funded by their own private insurance or paid out-of-pocket. — Teresa Liu, Oc Register, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for able-bodied

Recent Examples of Synonyms for able-bodied

Adjective

Getting Williams back healthy had been central to Oklahoma City’s goal of returning to the NBA Finals.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
Both of these elements challenge different facets of balance, strength, and mobility, all of which are important for healthy aging and everyday activities.

— Jakob Roze, HEALTH, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of healthy

Adjective

The most robust evidence in the field is a study published in JAMA Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in 2024, which looked at airflow during mouth occlusion in more than 50 patients.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
But Hayden said the Shuckers Union will have a pretty robust sparkling wine menu — one that isn’t just prosecco or just champagne, but the fun sparkling wines found around the world that usually fall in the middle of those two wines’ price points.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of robust

Adjective

You also get built-in Wi-Fi for remote app control, 8 months of battery life, and a sturdy IP53 weather-resistant design to ensure your home stays protected around the clock.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
After recognizing the need for sturdier work pants, Strauss partnered with tailor Jacob Davis to develop a design that used copper rivets on denim and duck canvas pants, laying the foundation for the modern blue jean.

— Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of sturdy

Browse Nearby Words

able

able-bodied

able-bodied seaman

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“Able-bodied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/able-bodied. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of able-bodied

adjective

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