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 And that's because this offense, now led by OC Mike McDaniel, is loaded with QB Justin Herbert, an explosive running back room, and hopefully a healthy offensive line. Austin Mock, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026 Since the show will also focus on her blended family, there’s a healthy dose of Kardashian-esque drama. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026 Blue and Flower’s baby grew to a healthy 6 pounds in just one month. Megan Fahrney, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026 With a new grocery store planned in each borough, NYC Groceries will make healthy food more affordable. Greg Silverman, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for healthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for healthy
Adjective
  • Her roommates, in their graying union suits, seemed happy enough with well water.
    Claire Carusillo, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
  • When complaint becomes habitual, one’s attention might automatically drift toward problems; the neural path is well trod.
    James Davis, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • Max’s arrival is particularly propitious because Max is still sore from Nathan’s betrayal, so if Max can get on Joe’s good side by respecting his authority, Joe can reward him with the lead position.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The offense has all the pieces to be one of the league’s best.
    Jon Machota, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Its compact design aims to provide substantial carrying capacity without relying on conventional vehicles.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Organizations often spend substantial energy articulating ambitious outcomes while devoting less attention to the routines that make those outcomes possible.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • In an endearing gesture from a multimillionaire who ran a thriving entertainment production company specializing in true-crime shows, McDonnell was coming to offer a sweet form of thanks to the bank’s sales team.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Marie Cervay Hickle of PNC Bank explains how historic and new markets tax credits facilitate adaptive reuse, transforming vacant structures like old mills into thriving apartment communities and revitalizing neighborhoods.
    Katie Goar, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Emery knows that his side are robust when battling adversity yet need to find a way to rectify blind spots in their game, such as the tendency to drift through certain matches and against specific tactical challenges.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • If growth stays robust and financial conditions remain loose, demand could stay strong enough to keep inflation elevated and force the Federal Reserve to raise rates more than investors currently expect.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • This is not a medical spa and therefore there is no nutrition concept, but healthful snacks like fruit grown on property and nuts are available in the changing spaces, hydrotherapy zone and the relaxation rooms.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
  • As more people choose to stay in their homes longer, homeowners are looking for ways to create spaces that support and enhance healthful living with longevity in mind.
    Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The younger Rivers will be headed to North Carolina State, following in the sizable footsteps of his father.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • On a more practical level, international living may save you a sizable amount on housing, healthcare, and daily expenses such as groceries.
    Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • But Medora is more prosperous; in lieu of dollar stores, there is relentless outlaw kitsch.
    Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The island’s very existence—a prosperous, democratic Chinese society integrated with the West—offers a stinging rebuke to the claim that authoritarian rule is uniquely suited to the Chinese people.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Healthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/healthy. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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