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 Rather than relying on advertising or a free-tier model, Monarch charges a subscription fee and promises a more robust personal finance experience. Nick Perry, USA Today, 16 June 2026 The shift in expectations came after a stronger-than-expected jobs report earlier this month showed robust hiring in May. Max Zahn, ABC News, 16 June 2026 PCMag expert Brian Westover praised the Surface Pro 2024 in his review, highlighting its seamless integration of AI tools through Windows 11 Copilot and calling it a standout for its intelligent features and robust hardware. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 15 June 2026 After the tour announcement Monday, Scott spoke to reporters about the robust Jewish community in Tampa. Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • While Pochettino said the substitution was purely precautionary, American fans will likely remain uneasy until Pulisic is back on the field and fully healthy.
    Matt Reigle, FOXNews.com, 13 June 2026
  • Four hours after a meal, a healthy stomach has cleared all but about 10% of its contents.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • Actually, these are anything but those same White Sox that wallowed in all that misery the last three years — but rather a team of young, energetic grinders, the product of a near-total roster overhaul by general manager Chris Getz.
    Bill Madden, New York Daily News, 13 June 2026
  • However, the problem is that almost all nuclear energy transitions are far too energetic to be controlled with lasers.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • The discovery is so surprising because even though AGNs are rich with gas and dust — the building blocks of planets — the turbulent conditions within the disks wouldn't generally be considered ideal for forming planets.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 June 2026
  • Gardena and salted amber give this shimmery body mist a rich, tropical vacation sort of scent profile.
    Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 14 June 2026
Adjective
  • Catherine Bracy, the CEO of TechEquity, a tech advocacy group that favors stronger AI regulations, speculated that the Anthropic employees were receiving advice to back Becerra because of his frontrunner status.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
  • Sinks on the vanity have slanted, green marble angles giving them a trendy look, and the faucet’s water spray is equivalent to a drenching rainfall shower (wide, strong, and incredibly impressive).
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 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, 13 June 2026
  • Seek shelter in a sturdy structure until the storm has passed.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
Adjective
  • The mix of old and new aims to blend nostalgia with Miami’s new culinary identity, which has become far more dynamic since China Grill first opened on South Beach, Chodorow said.
    Connie Ogle June 11, Miami Herald, 11 June 2026
  • But this sedan is geared for comfort and never feels confident in spirited, dynamic situations.
    Adam Ismail, The Drive, 11 June 2026
Adjective
  • Pay to play was a potent issue in the 2005 election, when Mayor James Hahn was defeated by Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
  • The European Migration and Asylum Pact is the culmination of years of grueling negotiations that overhauled the previous system, which was widely considered a failure and gave far-right parties a potent issue to win votes.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 June 2026
Adjective
  • But Cape Verde simply did not wilt in a solid, switched-on 4-5-1 defensive shape, compressing space between the lines and defending heroically in their own penalty area to keep the European Champions at bay, and committing only one foul in the process — the fewest ever recorded in a World Cup game.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 16 June 2026
  • On the subject of speculative energy, galleries spoke about how Tuesday’s consistent, solid sales rhythm seemed a lot healthier in that regard.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 16 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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