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 This is a call to those who believe in the power of mentorship and thirst for a stronger, healthier Florida. Maggie Dante, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026 Normally, the show tries to stir up scandal with a healthy helping of sound effects, but this week Briar, Mia, and Athena really are fighting. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2026 Learn how to build healthy financial habits today to set your children up for greater success in the future. Sahil Bloom, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2026 Persephone is now a happy, healthy 1-year-old, King said. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for healthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for healthy
Adjective
  • Its jet-drive propulsion system, when deployed, creates thrust by accelerating well fluids via an impeller unit, which moves the probe through the wellbore.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Across the country—and especially in the South—plans are well in the works for Thanksgiving meals that will both satisfy and delight guests.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Despite Jones’ contract only being 50% guaranteed for next season, waiving him for a small amount of savings may not be in the Pacers best interest anyway.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Some look good on paper but would backfire in practice.
    J.D. Hayworth, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The sensational nature of his escape and the substantial reward for his recapture brought in rumors from all over the state.
    Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Jan. 2026
  • The combined battery weight is substantial, tipping the scales at approximately 640 lb and 666 lb, respectively, reflecting the system’s focus on long-range capability and durability for a full-size MPV platform.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 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
  • This compact yet sizable belt bag has a simple silhouette that looks very similar to the one Diaz just wore.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Highly revered for its outdoorsy facilities, the low-slung La Reserve Hotel and Spa Geneva occupies a sizable, green patch alongside its namesake lake.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 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 28 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on healthy

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