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 Without robust evidence, Americans remain vulnerable when purchasing products that have not undergone regulatory oversight. Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 Its purpose is to support a robust domestic shipbuilding industry capable of constructing battleships and cruisers, and a robust domestic merchant-marine fleet and workforce that can transport goods and people. James Surowiecki, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026 The researchers note that developing robust pre-treatment systems will be vital, as everyday impurities can quickly poison and deactivate the sensitive metal catalyst. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026 Scientists have long proposed that modern Homo sapiens outcompeted their robust cousins through sheer intelligence. Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • She has been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, an eye disease that causes vision loss, and lupus, a disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs instead of fighting germs, according to court records.
    Chase Jordan July 30, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • And unlike day one of last season, which saw offensive lineman Bayron Matos get airlifted to a local hospital and cornerback Artie Burns suffer a significant knee injury, the Dolphins emerged healthy.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Bergé—still blustery and energetic at sixty-eight—flanks Saint Laurent protectively as the two leave their hotel for the ceremony, where the designer is set to receive a lifetime-achievement award.
    Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
  • As a rookie last season, Watkins established himself as one of the Wizards’ most energetic and physical perimeter defenders.
    Josh Robbins, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Designed to be charming and romantic, rooms have a B&B feel with canopy beds, rich drapery, plush chairs, hardwood floors, and walls adorned with chair rail and crown molding.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026
  • Each spoonful was rich and silky, with creamy vanilla pudding coating tender banana slices and vanilla wafers that soaked up enough sweetness to become cake-like.
    Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Sustained high performance by firms that treat customer value as primary remains the strongest empirical rebuttal.
    Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Second baseman Amira Hondras, coming off a strong women’s baseball World Cup debut last week, tied the game in the at-bat prior with a single up the middle to set up Villareal’s heroics.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • All of these are captured using his Nikon Z8 and 100-400mm lens, usually set on a sturdy tripod with a fluid head.
    Patrick Connolly Orlando Sentinel, Arkansas Online, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Getty’s 5%-plus dividend accounts for less than 80% of FFO estimates, and it’s backed by sturdy tenants with good credit.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Simply put, the Chiefs’ offense needs to be more versatile and dynamic after finishing 15th, 15th and 21st in points scored the last three seasons.
    Vahe Gregorian July 30, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • The article concludes that continuous innovation, rather than protectionist policies, is the true key to staying competitive in the dynamic semiconductor sector.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Adjective
  • The timing of the snow and ice melt, plus rainfalls, determines whether a plot of thawing permafrost is waterlogged — and whether carbon isn’t just turned into CO2, but also methane, a greenhouse gas four times as potent.
    Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • The rebirth of the Durutti Column suggests Reilly’s catastrophic imagination is just as potent as his world-building one.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Trump can point to a low unemployment rate and solid consumer spending as proof that the economy remains stable, yet there are few signs that these arguments have connected with the public.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • But on Friday, after another solid day from the former South Carolina Gamecock, head coach Dave Canales had a simple response to how Brazzell’s absence might affect Legette.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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