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

However, many people find that gradual weight loss is achievable with a balanced approach—healthful eating, regular exercise, and sometimes medication. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Health, 14 Dec. 2024

Along with a clean and healthful environment, the Montana Constitution also grants rights to pursuing life’s basic necessities, protecting liberties and protecting property. —ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025

People’s lives today lack diets of healthful whole foods, clean water, regular exercise, and adequate sunlight. —Kevin Reutenauer, Hartford Courant, 23 Apr. 2025

Some foods naturally contain healthful fats and can be added to your diet. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2025

Video

Healthy vs. Healthful

Why both words are equally good for you.