healthiness 1 of 2

Definition of healthinessnext

healthy

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adjective

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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 healthiness
Noun
Unfortunately, Americans have proved themselves to be suckers for packaging that conveys a food’s healthiness, Bragg said. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
This recipe uses walnuts instead of pecans, but keeps a healthy splash of bourbon. Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026 Proper light, water, and container choices ensure healthy plants and prevent damage to your deck. Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for healthiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for healthiness
Noun
  • He currently is listed as power of attorney for health and finances on her trust but that needs to stop.
    R. Eric Thomas, Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2026
  • As a result of this pressure, the piece notes that Kennedy’s threat led more than 30 hospitals and health systems to terminate or limit gender-affirming services for minors, demonstrating concrete harm even absent formal legal changes.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
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
  • Here are The Denver Post’s 20 best fits remaining for the Broncos through rounds four, five, six, seven and beyond, if Denver indeed wants to have a good day Saturday.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Just being able to be available every single day and also just bring energy and be a good clubhouse guy.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The bookstore, a two-story antique barn located at the end of Main Street (literally, right where the sidewalk ends), has a separate children’s annex with educational books and games, plus a substantial young adults section on the second floor.
    Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Even the sleeker Samsonite Proxis feels substantial without dragging you over the limit.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This grew into a thriving business that branched into equestrian training and lessons, trail rides and in 1969, vaulting.
    Laura Ness, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The motel was once part of a thriving corridor between Stockton and Sacramento before it was bypassed by Highway 99.
    Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 16 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The ship is also equipped with a small fitness room with a view, two outdoor hot tubs, and a sauna.
    Karen Gardiner, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Just inside, the 1,500-square-foot fitness studio makes the most of the same vantage point, with floor-to-ceiling windows, Peloton bikes, rowers, and space for yoga.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Leveraging this method has long been awaited by cosmologists, but only in recent years has data for both the CMB and for large-scale structure surveys become robust enough to yield a meaningful result like this.
    Big Think, Big Think, 21 Apr. 2026
  • But as China has remained comparatively insulated amid the historic disruption of global oil markets – even clocking robust growth in the first quarter of 2026 – Xi and his planners appear even more assured in their strategy.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Or what if a nurse advised a patient to stop exercising or sleeping regularly, or eating healthful meals, or taking prescribed medications?
    Peter Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Terranova, who leads a healthful lifestyle, was actually in acute heart failure.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 25 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Healthiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/healthiness. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

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