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 Mets lost Ronny Mauricio to a fractured thumb in Anaheim, decimating the once-robust infield depth. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026 And though stock market returns with an $80,000 investment can be robust, the potential losses there could be significant, too. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 11 May 2026 But total public and private debt last year was about 265% of GDP, which has been robust lately. Jason Ma, Fortune, 11 May 2026 Featuring Steven Bernstein on brass, Kenny Wollesen on drums and percussion, Douglas Wieselman on winds and guitar, Briggan Krauss on saxophone and guitar, and Tony Scherr on bass, these arrangements are more muscular and robust than many of their original incarnations. David Harris, SPIN, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • And, not surprisingly, that’s not healthy.
    Chris Hewitt, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
  • Shoppers flock to the retailer to snag healthy, long-lasting peonies without breaking the bank.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Hsu’s character Kristen is an energetic surfer, who finds joy and freedom in the ocean.
    Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 11 May 2026
  • The central region of Messier 77 is dominated by an extremely compact and energetic source that outshines the rest of the galaxy combined, even challenging the sensitivity of the James Webb Space Telescope itself.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Here, this translates as an exuberance of bread, meat and dairy, rich and fortifying.
    Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 11 May 2026
  • That’s rich — like the pot calling the kettle black.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • Lewis-Skelly and Calafiori continued to provide balance against Atletico three days later, and were also key components to Arsenal’s strong start against West Ham, alongside Leandro Trossard.
    Art de Roché, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • The case that Ashton and Bradley heavily influenced each other is stronger, if also strained.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 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, 8 May 2026
  • Build something sturdy enough that generosity becomes a choice rather than a sacrifice.
    Big Think, Big Think, 7 May 2026
Adjective
  • Certainly, the images themselves are striking and dramatic, defined by strong shadows and a dynamic sensibility, with bodies constantly in motion.
    Amy Reyes, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
  • Many stayed, putting down roots that grew into multigenerational farming families who continue to shape the region’s dynamic food scene.
    Vivian Chung, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Retirees and soon-to-be retirees have long been a potent voting bloc that instill fear in lawmakers, especially those contemplating any adjustments to Social Security and Medicare.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 May 2026
  • This formula pairs potent L-ascorbic acid with more stable, gentler derivatives—3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbyl glucoside, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate—which extend antioxidant benefits, boost tolerability, and improve overall stability.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • That, combined with his previous solid form with AZ in the Netherlands and the 24-year-old’s status as a regular Norway international, should ensure interest.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 12 May 2026
  • The Russian star is coming off a solid bounce-back year, finishing with 19 goals and 42 assists in 56 games.
    CBS News, CBS News, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

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