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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
The air is expected to be moderately healthy north of San Jose and up to Santa Rosa, the air district said. Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2025 While Mitchell might have begun this season as a reserve if Herro was healthy, the expectation is Mitchell will start alongside Norman Powell in the Heat’s backcourt while Herro is sidelined. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for healthiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for healthiness
Noun
  • According to Salus Research clinical trials, the toothbrush improves gum health and removes twice as much plaque compared to a manual brush.
    Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • This vitamin supports immune health, promotes wound healing and helps the body absorb iron.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Beneath the surface, though, all is not well.
    Ian King, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The ads for it were…well, pure 1970s.
    Chris Morris, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Pashinyan was widely popular among diaspora Armenians after taking power in the 2018 Velvet Revolution, maintaining good relations with them and doing community visits during his international trips.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 21 Sep. 2025
  • In maybe his best throw in front of the 15 NFL scouts in the Memorial Stadium press box, Mendoza stood strong in the face of a seven-man pressure and delivered a 5-yard strike to Sarratt for a score.
    Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner secured a substantial severance package after being relieved of his duties in July.
    Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Knowing exactly what type of fuel your car needs can either save you a substantial amount of money annually on fuel costs, or thousands of dollars in potential engine repair or replacement costs.
    Charles Singh, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The habitat corridors needed to support thriving populations of jaguars and dolphins and productive fisheries are threatened by both deforestation and construction of hydropower dams.
    Jeff Opperman, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • As the final season begins, Jamie and Claire apparently find war has followed them home to Fraser’s Ridge, by now a thriving settlement that grew in their absence.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Maresca said afterwards that Palmer was a doubt for the game and had undergone a fitness test on the morning of the fixture.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 22 Sep. 2025
  • In fact, some fitness studios even require switching out your walking shoes for a pair worn solely in an indoor space.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The company’s commitment extends beyond compensation, with additional benefits such as tuition assistance, professional development programs, career mobility resources, and robust stock award programs.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The robust sauce clings to the pasta, creating a dish far greater than the sum of its parts.
    Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Healthiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/healthiness. Accessed 24 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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