Synonyms of healthful

healthful

adjective

ˈhelth-fəl 

as in healthy

beneficial to the health of body or mind

one of the most healthful forms of exercise is a brisk walk

Synonyms & Similar Words

• healthy
• good
• medicinal
• wholesome
• nutritional
• salubrious
• restorative
• salutary
• tonic
• refreshing
• sanative
• useful
• remedial
• nutritious
• curative
• corrective
• salutiferous
• advantageous
• sanitary
• rehabilitative
• clean
• hygienic
• nourishing
• rejuvenating
• recuperative
• alleviative
• antiseptic
• aseptic
• nontoxic
• nonpoisonous
• rejuvenescent

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• harmful
• unhealthy
• unwholesome
• noxious
• injurious
• deleterious
• damaging
• toxic
• unhealthful
• pernicious
• infectious
• poisonous
• insalubrious
• sickening
• unsanitary
• insanitary
• unhygienic

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective healthful contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of healthful are salubrious, salutary, and wholesome. While all these words mean "favorable to the health of mind or body," healthful implies a positive contribution to a healthy condition.

a healthful diet

When might salubrious be a better fit than healthful?

While in some cases nearly identical to healthful, salubrious applies chiefly to the helpful effects of climate or air.

cool and salubrious weather

When can salutary be used instead of healthful?

The words salutary and healthful can be used in similar contexts, but salutary describes something corrective or beneficially effective, even though it may in itself be unpleasant.

a salutary warning that resulted in increased production

When is wholesome a more appropriate choice than healthful?

The synonyms wholesome and healthful are sometimes interchangeable, but wholesome applies to what benefits, builds up, or sustains physically, mentally, or spiritually.

wholesome foods

the movie is wholesome family entertainment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of healthful

The light was believed to be the cure for tuberculosis, a miraculous ingredient to ensure healthful longevity, and later, what turned celluloid reels into movie magic. —Sam Bloch august 8, Literary Hub, 8 Aug. 2025

But mucus serves many healthful roles, primarily as a medium for catching and removing harmful particles and pathogens from the body. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2025

This preparation is simple, classic, and healthful, yes, but hardly exciting. —Brittany Loggins, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2025

That includes a fitness routine — tennis and yoga are go-to pursuits — and other healthful habits. —Nancy Kruh, People.com, 27 Mar. 2025

Video

Healthy vs. Healthful

Why both words are equally good for you.