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 researcher identified more robust housing services as an important strategy to help safely reduce the jail population and save taxpayer dollars. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026 This trend highlights that continuous learning capacity is now more crucial than recruitment for building robust AI capabilities. Michael Edmondson, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 The rapid growth reflects China’s robust demand for Saudi crude oil and petrochemical products, as well as the kingdom's imports of Chinese machinery, electronics, and transport equipment. Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 7 July 2026 However, that is changing as the US Department of Defense seeks more robust, less vulnerable power systems for military satellites that are less hazardous than the older spacecraft powered by uranium and plutonium. David Szondy july 07, New Atlas, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • Fortifying the scalp and the roots creates a strong, healthy foundation for hair growth, which leads to fuller-looking, healthier hair.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 8 July 2026
  • In an era of extreme weather, climate uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and rising fertilizer costs, keeping soil healthy and nurturing the billions of microbes living there is not only necessary but also economically strategic.
    Esther Ndumi Ngumbi, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Work with Your Design Style A color this bright and energetic couldn’t possibly be versatile, too, right?
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026
  • Brazil were energetic and vertical, Vinicius Junior and Rayan stretched their opponents and Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner was just reward.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • White jeans offer much more leeway to play with poppy seasonal colors or rich textures, like raffia, suede, and leather.
    Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 8 July 2026
  • Much of that praise is thanks to its rich history, artistic treasures, and delicious food and wine, which often comes from the nearby hills of Chianti and Montalcino.
    Laura Itzkowitz, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond California, scientists are raising alarms over the planet’s warming oceans, which — coupled with a strong El Niño — could increase temperatures for land dwellers in the coming weeks.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Weather aside, Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Week, running from July 6 to 9, will feature shows from 30 houses, compared with FW25’s 27-strong line-up.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 6 July 2026
Adjective
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
  • For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Her 2019 debut book, Fight Like a Mother, told how a stay-at-home mother of five in a blended family remade herself into one of the most dynamic forces in American politics today.
    David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026
  • Conversion lifts when offers are dynamic and contextual rather than static fare classes.
    Somit Goyal, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Adjective
  • Red apples, especially deeper red varieties, contain higher levels of anthocyanins, potent antioxidants.
    Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 3 July 2026
  • That potent symbolism has been evident in the black funeral flags hanging over city streets since his death referencing the seventh-century martyrdom of Shi'ism's third imam, Hossein.
    Parisa Hafezi, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Goldin, who appeared in 11 Heat games as a rookie, was very solid on Friday, blocking a shot by Maliq Brown and then blocking a shot on an alley oop.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • Additionally, Thursday morning’s mission was the last to use the Atlas V’s most powerful configuration with five strap-on solid rocket boosters.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 3 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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