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 surface reminds me of a groomer that received a healthy blanket of new snow after its most recent plow. Brent Rose, Outside, 28 Feb. 2026 As the nurturing Moon enters Leo, confidence is the best accessory (well, alongside a healthy dose of optimism). Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026 There is a healthy mix of international stories, American directors, docs with big-streamer support and docs with smaller theatrical distribution. Addie Morfoot, Variety, 28 Feb. 2026 In general, the kidneys in a healthy person do an excellent job of keeping our electrolytes in balance. ABC News, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for healthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for healthy
Adjective
  • The prescriptions program is expected to serve about 6,500 children and families in northwest Milwaukee at nearly 13,000 annual well-child visits.
    Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
  • 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
Adjective
  • Tallen said his firm has a history of turning around distressed properties in good locations.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 Mar. 2026
  • His communication on the defensive end of the floor has been really good, too.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Building a functional intercontinental ballistic missile capable of striking the US would require overcoming substantial technical hurdles, such as producing a nuclear warhead and successfully miniaturizing it, Eliana Johns, a Federation of American Scientists senior research associate, said.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026
  • However, the council did not make substantial funding changes to support the Vision Zero program, and the average number of annual traffic deaths in the city has risen since the officials made the commitment to end such deaths.
    Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The fate of one of the last thriving coral reefs in Florida may be imperiled by plans to widen the shipping channel leading into Port Everglades.
    Nicolás Rivero, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2026
  • His daughter Akilah Releford-Gould, who has a thriving social media presence showcasing her homemaking and winemaking adventures, has become an integral part of Bloom Ranch’s online reach.
    Martine Thompson, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • CrowdStrike delivered robust quarterly results on Tuesday, exceeding expectations across all key measures.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Other residential properties are being bought at robust prices, including two apartment hubs in the Santana Row mixed-use neighborhood in west San Jose and two apartment complexes that are across the street from each other in south San Jose.
    George Avalos, Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This crisp and tangy salad, which also features winter citrus, is both healthful and satisfying.
    Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Hartford resident Jocelyn Cerda said that growing up in the city often meant not being able to easily access fresh and healthful food options.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • This contains a breakfast bar seating area, quartz countertops, a deep farmhouse-style sink, shelving, and generous cabinetry, including a sizable pantry.
    Adam Williams March 01, New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2026
  • The award is made possible by donations, including a sizable donation from Arvada resident Adam Stevinson.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • City News Bureau existed because of the vitality of a growing and prosperous Chicago.
    Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Calm sea and prosperous voyage—a dream for Goethe and Mendelssohn, for any parent, and perhaps for all men and women—was but a hearsay.
    Yiyun Li, New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Healthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/healthy. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

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