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 subsidies have helped offset some of the structural cost disadvantages that manufacturers face in India, including the lack of a China-like robust supply chain and logistics challenges. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2026 After finding little demand for the generators, prosecutors said Lauer and the other coconspirators falsely represented to investors that the market was robust. Tim Fang, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026 Membership at the Club unlocks access to championship golf, resort-style amenities, racquet sports, dining, wellness offerings, and a robust calendar of events, creating an unmatched balance of leisure and engagement for those who choose to participate. Trident Real Estate, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026 According to Baseball Savant’s data going into Monday’s games, the best time to challenge is with the bases loaded, when pitchers and catchers are winning at a robust 67% clip. Kevin Sherrington mar. 9, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • Eating at consistent times earlier in the day can support the clock and healthy blood sugar levels.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 8 Mar. 2026
  • Learn how to build healthy financial habits today to set your children up for greater success in the future.
    Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 7 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Buffey is described as an energetic and dedicated special education teacher who brings enthusiasm and creativity to every lesson.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026
  • The deployment of Lewis O’Brien and Ollie Rathbone, playing as an energetic pair of No 10s behind the equally-mobile Sam Smith up front suited this intent wonderfully.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The cliffside lodge offers a front row view of one of the most biologically rich places on the planet, UNESCO’s Vhembe Biosphere Reserve near South Africa’s border with Zimbabwe.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Lucky for you, Ortega’s exact carryall is on sale now, along with a range of other rich-girl purses from $84.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The strong currents from flash floods can pull drivers off roadways.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Tokyo has shown no interest in military involvement, but some experts believe the conflict could bolster Takaichi's push for a stronger military and expanded weapons sales.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Mar. 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, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Choose varieties that produce long, sturdy stems and blooms.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The humanoid demonstrated highly dynamic parkour skills upon being trained using the framework.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026
  • The exhibition reimagines graffiti as a dynamic cultural force and blends two and three-dimensional works together.
    Alyson Rodriguez, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Iranian regime — with its thousands of drones and ballistic missiles, sophisticated intelligence and large armed forces — is a much more potent enemy than ISIS, however.
    Holly Williams, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Coupled with its potent streaming numbers, the medical comedy has made a strong case for a Season 2 renewal.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • His advancing to a runoff against Fuller turns heads as his chances of flipping a solid Republican seat have another chance.
    Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 11 Mar. 2026
  • Just a solid, weighty dial to twist, and a ticking sound that gently marks the passing time.
    Francesca Krempa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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