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 That's because the remaining healthy testicle often compensates by producing enough testosterone and sperm on its own. Angela Haupt, Time, 22 July 2026 Dried fruit can also fit into a healthy diet, though because the water has been removed, the calories and natural sugars are more concentrated. Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 22 July 2026 Flow Space chatted with two leading experts about the best ways to keep your eyes healthy in midlife and beyond. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 22 July 2026 Infants and people with certain health conditions may need to be in cooler spaces for longer periods of time than healthy adults. Destenie Nock, The Conversation, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for healthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for healthy
Adjective
  • 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
  • When South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena blasted home a penalty that leveled things in the 83rd minute and Mercedes-Benz Stadium erupted at an ear-splitting decibel level, any thoughts of The Wave were well and truly forgotten.
    Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Norway enjoyed their best World Cup ever, reaching the quarter-finals and beating Brazil along the way, and Haaland was at the centre of their success.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Apart from Luke, the crew has a good-ish day welcoming Suzanne, Amy, and the bachelors onboard.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Key concerns for investors include the company's existing debt, the substantial proceeds already taken by private owners, and the concentrated control Blackstone will retain post-offering.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • If the impact centres are on the same line, Babcock will need to find substantial wingers to play with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the second unit, or Stan Bowman will need to find a second-line centre.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Besides activewear, Beyond Yoga has a thriving outerwear business.
    Sharon Edelson, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Set on Penobscot Bay in the heart of Midcoast Maine, the vibrant harbor town is best known for its fresh seafood, thriving arts scene, and maritime atmosphere.
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • According to park factor, the run-scoring environment at Sutter Health the past two seasons is the second-most robust in the majors, behind only Coors Field.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • For everyone’s peace of mind, robust security measures must be put in place to ensure that only genuine factory software can be installed and that hackers are locked out.
    Michael Harley, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026
Adjective
  • Lots of hardy veg ensure that this meal will be satisfying and healthful.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 July 2026
  • The couple has a passion for healthful eating and taking care of the environment, providing for the land that provides for them, as Hakenah Hulitt put it.
    Amy Lavalley, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • The program allows people who make sizable investments in a country to apply for citizenship.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 July 2026
  • On the one hand, sales from China still make up a sizable chunk of its revenue.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Miguel learns that the boy had been taken by Miguel’s parents and the parents of his friends after their once-prosperous village in Veracruz took a major hit.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026
  • Congressional District first and will work to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for our families, our communities, and our country.
    Belinda Keiser, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Healthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/healthy. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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