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

Packed with fiber and two types of chocolate, these rich, fudgy brownies are a wholesome, healthful chocolate-lover’s dream. —Virginia Willis, AJC.com, 8 Feb. 2026

But those and other game-day foods aren’t the most healthful. —Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026

Founded by three young entrepreneurs, Nude Miami hopes to tap into the area’s growing desire for healthful, natural foods with unique offerings and a community-centric vibe. —Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026

The name Épi is derived from the French word for grocery—so the food is excellent, down to the fresh and healthful smoothies the attendants deliver poolside. —Tom Morris, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026

Video

Healthy vs. Healthful

Why both words are equally good for you.