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

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 healthful Research finds that eating mostly healthful, nutritious foods also helps. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 17 Sep. 2025 Lubetzky launched Kind in 2004, aiming to create snacks that were both healthful and socially responsible. Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2025 This healthful eating philosophy is a way of life for Meagan and Anthony Santavicca. Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 12 Aug. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for healthful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for healthful
Adjective
  • There’s a difference between connection and control, and this lunar phase is here to remind you that true friendship (and healthy group dynamics) doesn’t fear space, evolution or honesty.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Due to their links to better heart and metabolic health, nuts are definitely healthy addition to your diet.
    Simon Spichak, Health, 28 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Non-perishable items or foods that last a long time in the fridge can be good options.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The baby, who initially made good progress after the surgery, died 20 days later.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Healthful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/healthful. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on healthful

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