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a healthy diet
a nutritious diet
a balanced diet
a beneficial diet
a proper diet
a good diet
a healthy economy
a strong economy
a stable economy
a balanced economy
a sturdy economy
a sustainable economy
healthy life
active life
happy life
a healthy environment
a sustainable environment
a positive environment
a helpful environment
a safe environment
a beneficial environment

Synonym Chooser

How is the word healthy distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of healthy are hale, robust, sound, well, and wholesome. While all these words mean "enjoying or indicative of good health," healthy implies full strength and vigor as well as freedom from signs of disease.

a healthy family

Where would hale be a reasonable alternative to healthy?

While in some cases nearly identical to healthy, hale applies particularly to robustness in old age.

still hale at the age of eighty

When is robust a more appropriate choice than healthy?

While the synonyms robust and healthy are close in meaning, robust implies the opposite of all that is delicate or sickly.

a lively, robust little boy

When might sound be a better fit than healthy?

Although the words sound and healthy have much in common, sound emphasizes the absence of disease, weakness, or malfunction.

a sound heart

When would well be a good substitute for healthy?

The words well and healthy can be used in similar contexts, but well implies merely freedom from disease or illness.

she has never been a well person

In what contexts can wholesome take the place of healthy?

The meanings of wholesome and healthy largely overlap; however, wholesome implies appearance and behavior indicating soundness and balance.

a face with a wholesome glow

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 healthy Locals interested in healthy aging, including questions about Alzheimer’s, can talk via livestream with UC Irvine aging expert Dr. Crystal Glover at noon on Friday, July 11. Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 7 July 2025 Berries contribute fiber and antioxidants, while nuts or seeds (like chia, ground flax, or hemp) provide healthy fats, fiber, and extra protein for a well-rounded breakfast. Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 7 July 2025 Exercise, eat healthy and volunteer somewhere to help others who are in need. Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 7 July 2025 While some symptoms clear up within a few days, others may persist due to a range of underlying causes—one of which is autoimmune disease, where the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues instead of protecting them. Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for healthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for healthy
Adjective
  • Crockpots are still made well, as are, in my experience anyway, the more modernized version: Instant Pots.
    Parker Hall, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025
  • The witch’s magic is still MIA, but her attitude is well and truly back.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • The most important thing to consider when determining if a certain plant is a good match for hydrangeas is growing conditions.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 6 July 2025
  • After all, how often would Canada's biggest hockey market have a chance to acquire Canada's best player?
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025
Adjective
  • This, coupled with liquidity issues, can lead to cash flow crises, forcing sales at substantial discounts.
    Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • The spending will be paid for, in part, through substantial cuts to social safety net programs.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • The food industry has a lot riding on, and even more to gain from, adopting practices that help stabilize the climate and support thriving ecosystems.
    Mindy Lubber, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Whatever happens, Chicago needs a thriving and affordable ride-share sector — ride-share is part of our transit ecosystem.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • While union leaders emphasize ethical and safe use, critics raise concerns about data practices, locking students into using AI tools from particular tech vendors, and the lack of robust research on AI’s educational impact.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 8 July 2025
  • The former appeals for its charming Victorian architecture and robust bar scene while the latter offers proximity to such family-friendly attractions as the New Children’s Museum, South Embarcadero Esplanade, and several waterfront parks.
    Sarah Bruning, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Adjective
  • While supporters of incinerators cite the facilities’ use of high-level technology and that emissions are within healthful limits, environmentalists emphasize that incinerators still release carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, lead, mercury, dioxins, cadmium and particulate matter.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2025
  • The menus designed for each Female Wellness guest are crafted specifically to their needs but are in line with the company’s overall sustainable, local, healthful plans.
    Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • Tommy John surgery typically carries a recovery timeline of at least 12 months, which would put Schmidt on track to miss a sizable portion of next season, too.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025
  • Lee first started to photograph trees in 2006, and has since built a sizable body of work around this practice.
    Thessaly La Force, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2025
Adjective
  • The One Big Beautiful Bill does just that, delivering real tax relief and laying the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous nation.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • But American science, including space science, has paid enormous dividends in keeping the nation strong, prosperous, and worthy of the world’s respect.
    Adam Frank, The Atlantic, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Healthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/healthy. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on healthy

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