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 The team used machine learning to discover patterns linked to these processes, which were not found in healthy individuals or patients who were already diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026 What does a healthy Downtown Dallas look like? Trevor Bach, Dallas Morning News, 31 Jan. 2026 Moreover, they have been shown to assist individuals in overcoming alcohol addiction, providing a healthier alternative for those in need. Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2026 Focus on maintaining consistent care to support healthy new foliage. Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 31 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for healthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for healthy
Adjective
  • Last week, Spurs beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at home and all was well with the world.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Oliver says often that the shoot was a really well execution of the script.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Parents can now set daily time limits or block Shorts entirely, depending on what works best for their household.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Fan and critical consensus touted Kendrick Lamar’s triumphant-if-too-breezy GNX as one of 2024’s best and most successful rap albums.
    Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Yet these shady financing deals can leave survivors owing substantial fees and interest, sometimes consuming a significant portion of any eventual award.
    Jaime Huff, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Throughout the show – which launched with a DJ set by longtime Carey friend and producer Jermaine Dupri – Carey’s admirers dug into her substantial catalog with gusto.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Stop and think about what this meant for Live Nation, a formerly thriving commercial entity that achieved commercial success via – yes – live shows the excitement and success of which was rooted in the big, packed crowds that would attend them.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Maryland is a thriving hub for advanced health care and research and development.
    Peter Shen, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Harry Maguire and his father, Alan, are having a robust debate after a Manchester United pre-season game against Everton about which of them was the better player.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 28 Jan. 2026
  • There are lazy ways to do this, and there are more robust ways to do so.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Founded by three young entrepreneurs, Nude Miami hopes to tap into the area’s growing desire for healthful, natural foods with unique offerings and a community-centric vibe.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026
  • The name Épi is derived from the French word for grocery—so the food is excellent, down to the fresh and healthful smoothies the attendants deliver poolside.
    Tom Morris, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That presently appears to be a sizable challenge; the Padres lost several key players in free agency, and their only notable acquisitions have been the return of starting pitcher Michael King and the addition of infielder Sung-Mun Song.
    Dennis Lin, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Nearly 350,000 Haitians are set to lose their TPS this week, and a sizeable share of them care for older Americans.
    Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Why is Live Nation such a prosperous corporation?
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Iraqi Kurdish leaders courted Western oil companies and turned the territory into what was known as the most prosperous and stable part of Iraq.
    Jane Arraf, NPR, 22 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Healthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/healthy. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on healthy

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