Definition of robustnext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word robust distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of robust are hale, healthy, sound, well, and wholesome. While all these words mean "enjoying or indicative of good health," robust implies the opposite of all that is delicate or sickly.

a lively, robust little boy

When would hale be a good substitute for robust?

Although the words hale and robust have much in common, hale applies particularly to robustness in old age.

still hale at the age of eighty

When can healthy be used instead of robust?

The meanings of healthy and robust largely overlap; however, healthy implies full strength and vigor as well as freedom from signs of disease.

a healthy family

When is sound a more appropriate choice than robust?

The words sound and robust are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, sound emphasizes the absence of disease, weakness, or malfunction.

a sound heart

When is it sensible to use well instead of robust?

In some situations, the words well and robust are roughly equivalent. However, well implies merely freedom from disease or illness.

she has never been a well person

When might wholesome be a better fit than robust?

The words wholesome and robust can be used in similar contexts, but 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 robust The team then used in-situ polymerization to turn the mixture into a more robust polymer matrix. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026 The vast majority of the population may be fed a robust diet of state propaganda, but most elites are exposed to life outside North Korea. — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026 The team also stated AC Carter will expand his responsibilities to include not just the outside linebackers but now also the defensive line; Carter has robust experience coaching the DL group prior to arriving in Carolina. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026 Oppenheimer upgrades Incyte to outperform from perform The biotech company has a robust pipeline, Oppenheimer says. — Michael Bloom, CNBC, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • Her wish list included healthy trees, an extra bedroom for visitors and a house that was either newly built or recently renovated.
    — Heather Senison, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Vaccination is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and certain complications in older adults with healthy immune systems.
    — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • This lunar event shifts the energetic landscape significantly.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Now, the Andrés group is back with an equally glamorous restaurant, one that highlights aged steaks in an energetic and theatrical setting.
    — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • However, sometimes chuck and top sirloin are used, offering a richer, more flavorful, marbled cut.
    — Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Because the album is rich with melody—because the compositions snake so readily from note to note, compared to Malone’s previous works—inklings of narrative start to seep from the foggy passages.
    — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • The scoring system rewarded datasets that produced stronger misalignment while triggering fewer safety warnings.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026
  • While Republicans there have a modest registration advantage, Democrats are posting strong numbers in early and mail-in voting.
    — Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • You also get built-in Wi-Fi for remote app control, 8 months of battery life, and a sturdy IP53 weather-resistant design to ensure your home stays protected around the clock.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
  • After recognizing the need for sturdier work pants, Strauss partnered with tailor Jacob Davis to develop a design that used copper rivets on denim and duck canvas pants, laying the foundation for the modern blue jean.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Last year, the Horned Frogs rode the dynamic duo of Olivia Miles and Marta Suarez to the Elite Eight and a regular season Big 12 championship and trip to the Elite Eight.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
  • However, as with Amal’s deep brunette hair with ribbons of face-framing light brown highlights, there’s something dynamic and exciting about her unexpected combination.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 4 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • His love of his family is palpable, but his alcoholism, violent temper, philandering and anger are just as potent.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The most potent version of Lucid’s impressive debut model is the Air Sapphire, which features a tri-motor powertrain—one unit is positioned up front, the other two on the rear axle—that produces a hypercar-like 1,234 horses.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Precincts with more votes cast per square mile appear more solid, with areas with lower voter density fade to white.
    — Sean Greene, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The sushi was solid and the cocktail program felt thoughtful and exciting.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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