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
  • San Jose recorded 1 million total downtown visits during the six-week FIFA World Cup, officials announced Friday — a final count over 2 ½ times initial projections — driven by energetic watch parties and strong fan culture in the city.
    Ryan Macasero, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
  • These kinds of bursts travel faster than the energetic particles from a solar storm, and precede their arrival when shot towards Earth.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 23 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
  • This is a strong day to pitch, perform, flirt, draft, or share something that feels alive.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 July 2026
  • While heavy foreign equity selling earlier this year weighed on the won, Goldman said those outflows have slowed, allowing the currency's strong external fundamentals to reassert themselves.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Adjective
  • The outdoorsy traveler hiking the gorges in Crete or the trails in Andros should bring a pair of sturdy shoes, a hat for sun protection, and tons of SPF.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 27 July 2026
  • December 22 – January 19 A home or family issue may need a sturdier foundation, not another temporary fix.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 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
  • That potent mix of crosscurrents held us back from buying the dip.
    Jeff Marks, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • Arriving pre-equipped with stringent, safety-first guardrails designed to block or reroute dangerous requests, it was meant to prevent the general public from accessing its potent capabilities.
    James Marks, Fortune, 23 July 2026
Adjective
  • Randy Dobnak impresses again While Collins led the way offensively, the Royals got a solid effort from right-handed starting pitcher Randy Dobnak.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • In Galecki’s family room, the largest pieces are solid colors, including a blue velvet sofa, a yellow chair and a brown leather chair.
    Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 24 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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