Definition of healthynext
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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 More consumers are prioritizing healthy living, culinary options and conscious spending. Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026 The formula is designed to hydrate and smooth strands while boosting softness and shine for a healthier-looking finish. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026 Now, three years later, Cerro is a healthy father of two kids who will be cheering him on this weekend at the Rush to Crush Cancer cycling event in Pittsburgh. Tory Wegerski, CBS News, 16 May 2026 Inside, a photo shows DeSantis working on his short game in front of the mansion, a putter in his hands and a cigar sticking out of his mouth — his way of making America (and Florida) healthy again. Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for healthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for healthy
Adjective
  • Get well Dodger friend and may God bless you and your family.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
  • That's all well and good, and that's a huge part of the learning process.
    Bryant Reed, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Guests don’t even need to leave the Torre Virreyes building to dine at a few other top restaurants in the area, including the aforementioned Carmela y Sal, which has one of the city’s best tasting menus.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Shohei Ohtani also put together good at-bats.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Trust develops through a substantial body of online content, including articles, podcasts, videos, and books.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • The unions, which represent locomotive engineers, machinists, signalmen and other train workers, have said more substantial raises were warranted to help workers keep up with inflation and rising living costs.
    Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Saugatuck Another hot spot in the western part of the state, Saugatuck has something for every type of traveler, with six beaches, a thriving art scene, and several breweries.
    Katy Spratte Joyce, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2026
  • My father came to Chicago in 1947, met my mother and began a thriving tailoring enterprise that was known throughout the city, suburbs and Midwest.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • Over the next decade, the PCOS community underwent the most robust and extensive disease-renaming process in history.
    Annalisa Merelli, STAT, 12 May 2026
  • JPMorgan initiates Kailera Therapeutics as overweight JPMorgan says the biotech company has a robust pipeline.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Roasted unsalted or lightly salted nuts are also considered healthful choices.
    Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 4 May 2026
  • This healthful dinner recipe is a soul-warming Indian dish.
    Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Germany, Korea, Japan, the Netherlands, Hong Kong SAR and Singapore all posted sizable surpluses, while several advanced and emerging economies remained in deficit.
    James Broughel, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
  • Account holders who treat their HSA this way can build a sizable balance, as with other investment accounts like 401(k)s that receive regular contributions and growth.
    Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • The book told of Miss Peterson’s search for her own ancestry and detailed her discovery of the prosperous, Black bourgeoisie, based largely in Brooklyn, that had played a principal role in the New York of the late nineteenth century.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 May 2026
  • In my local community, my leadership has made our district safer, healthier, and more prosperous.
    Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Healthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/healthy. Accessed 18 May. 2026.

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