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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 fundamentals are healthier, and balance sheets are stronger. Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 The ultimate goal is to make healthy eating and staying active fun for the whole family. Sari Hitchins, Parents, 15 Sep. 2025 The Chiefs don’t have a healthy receiver who can separate from man-to-man coverage. Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2025 Earlier this year, before disbanding the C.D.C.’s vaccine panel, Kennedy unilaterally announced that the agency would no longer recommend covid vaccination for healthy children or pregnant women. Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for healthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for healthy
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
  • The extra point was good but there was a holding penalty on the Rebels.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Sep. 2025
  • After 10 tumultuous years with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Kadri delivered his best campaign with the Colorado Avalanche in 2021-22, posting 89 points in the regular season and finishing by hoisting the Stanley Cup.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Gap years spent working, volunteering, or launching projects often lead to more intentional education choices and a more substantial ROI.
    Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
  • The lot of the unit covers a substantial area of 7,400 square feet.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The best and most enjoyable habit to maintain a healthy, thriving garden is a daily garden walk.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025
  • In a world being reshaped by Gen Z, a thriving workplace needs more than technological agility.
    Hanne Jesca Bax, Fortune, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Overall, there is a robust market with rising demand for dishwashers worldwide.
    Jeremy Lott, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In data science, it is applied to develop and implement robust error-correcting codes for data storage and transmission.
    Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Lubetzky launched Kind in 2004, aiming to create snacks that were both healthful and socially responsible.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Now’s the time to enjoy them in a healthful and elegant appetizer.
    Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Owners and teams contractually assent to the league and commissioner having final, binding and conclusive authority, meaning courts would give the league sizable deference.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • This article discusses how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act changed charitable contribution tax deductions and why 2025 might be the right year for wealthy alums to make a sizable charitable contribution.
    Nathan Goldman, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The once-prosperous toy store chain had collapsed in bankruptcy and shuttered all its stores several years ago.
    Zach Dennis, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • May many more young conservatives stand up and continue his efforts in pursuit of a freer, safer and more prosperous America.
    The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Healthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/healthy. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on healthy

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