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 Shark Deep Sea—with its black dial, contrasting white subdials and chronograph movement equipped with the Valjoux Calibre 72— was a robust tool watch up to the task. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2026 Downtown has struggled since the end of the pandemic, with many workers not returning to its plethora of office space and a significant number of business abandoning the neighborhood, jeopardizing what was once a robust community. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026 Beyond its scenic outdoor spaces, Colorado offers year-round outdoor recreation like cycling, hiking, and paddleboarding, vibrant local food scenes in cities such as Denver and Boulder, and a robust calendar of cultural events and music festivals. — Sara B. Hansen, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2026 Retailers and logistics firms are preparing for a robust holiday shopping season, with Amazon recently announcing the hiring of 300,000 workers for the season. — Lauren Kaori Gurley, Washington Post, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • The Saints offense is seemingly only getting healthier and now with three legitimate receivers and their running back on the cusp of a return, Shough could be primed for a nice Week 10 and a big second half.
    — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Follow a meal plan combining Mediterranean and DASH diet principles rich in leafy greens, berries and healthy fats.
    — Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Laser cooling slowed the atoms, and evaporative cooling removed the most energetic ones, allowing the remaining atoms to form a condensate inside an optical dipole trap.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • The energetic forward missed the first nine games of the season because of swelling in his left knee.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • However, sometimes chuck and top sirloin are used, offering a richer, more flavorful, marbled cut.
    — Natalia Vela, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Because the album is rich with melody—because the compositions snake so readily from note to note, compared to Malone’s previous works—inklings of narrative start to seep from the foggy passages.
    — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Beckett also recorded strong growth, although it is owned by Collectors.
    — Matthew Tan, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026
  • That allows for absolute black levels and very strong contrast.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Made of sturdy beech wood, rounded edges and a light hue soften the beverage cart’s overall look.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The Guardian’s April 2025 reporting describes the classic design as a roomy jacket made from sturdy cotton twill or moleskin, typically featuring three patch pockets and a simple collar.
    — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Will Sauron be as dynamic ruling from Mordor rather than walking among the other characters?
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Gibbs and McCaffrey reach TD milestones Two of the NFL’s most dynamic running backs reached impressive milestones.
    — Josh Dubow, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Wedding that feeling to new age isn’t especially a novel idea these days, but Rapid Response is a great reminder why that approach was so potent in the first place.
    — Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Ramirez made several open field flag grabs using her technique and a usually potent El Camino Real offense was left staggered.
    — Ethan Hanson, Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Turkey is also the world's fifth-biggest emitter of methane from solid waste, according to nonprofit emissions tracker Climate TRACE.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 12 Nov. 2026
  • Patrick Williams played the third-most minutes out of any Bulls player, providing a solid defensive presence while leading the entire roster with seven rebounds.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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