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 Trump has staked his economic agenda on cheap prices at the pump, robust gains in 401(k) accounts and cheaper mortgage rates. Josh Boak, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026 According to Mačiulis, the key lessons from Greenland will centre on designing systems adaptable to different climates and robust enough to operate across a wide range of conditions — knowledge that will directly inform the next generation of optical ground stations. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026 Vera Rubin, an astronomer whose observations of galaxy rotation curves in the 1970s provided the first robust evidence for dark matter's existence, embraced her Jewish faith as a guide to understanding her role in the universe. ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026 Alex Harper, an agent in Texas, has a safety checklist that is robust. Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • One of the world’s five Blue Zones, Nicoya is known for its high number of centenarians whose longevity is often attributed to their healthy, community-centric lifestyle.
    Meghan Palmer, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The public can also report sightings of healthy animals by clicking here.
    Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Those two youngsters happen to be a happily engaged, and happily naive, couple, and the series plays out exploring the dynamics between the two relationships, one young, loving and energetic, the other old, tired and toxic.
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2026
  • To support the flight, there has been a sharpening of space weather forecasting skills — an ability to better gauge the sun's activity and to help assure crew safety if a hazardous uptick in solar action rears its energetic head.
    Leonard David, Space.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That night, Joost wanted to dine at a real restaurant like rich foreigners.
    Cassandra Neyenesch, New Yorker, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The exempt areas include the Red Sea tourist resorts of Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Marsa Alam, as well as the antiquities-rich southern cities of Aswan and Luxor.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The legislation has stalled amid strong pushback from critics.
    Zac Anderson, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Kodai Senga got the ball for the Mets and turned in a strong performance in his season debut.
    James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 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, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Our Top Makeup Brush Sets When the brushes are thoughtfully designed—think soft, dense fibers and sturdy handles—blending tends to be easier, and your makeup looks that much more polished.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Together, the observations present Saturn as a layered and dynamic world.
    Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Brooks Ghost 17 A blend of soft and dynamic cushioning in the midsole, plus forefoot flex grooves, help the Ghost 17 roll smoothly and comfortably for miles.
    Lisa Jhung, Outside, 26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But Newman had a hunch that when soil dries up, the antibiotics bacteria use to wage war might become more potent, simply because of evaporation.
    Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026
  • The launch indicated Iran’s missile arsenal was more potent than previously believed.
    Jiachuan Wu, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Democrats have historically struggled to gain solid footing in Utah, where about half the population belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
    ABC News, ABC News, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Broadway gave a warm welcome to a batch of spring arrivals last week, with newcomers The Lost Boys, The Rocky Horror Show, Beaches, Fallen Angels and Titaníque beginning previews to more-than-solid audiences.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

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