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 Abu Dhabi’s climate finance fund ALTÉRRA is investing to meet long-term energy demand and has a robust pipeline of potential deals, CEO Majid Al-Suwaidi said at Semafor World Economy in Washington, DC. Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 20 Apr. 2026 Training a robust manipulation model requires millions of high-quality trajectories. Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026 Nonetheless, the Padres are a robust business that is stronger than any of those three teams. Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 20 Apr. 2026 Submarines are a particular focus, prompting a robust response from frontline NATO states, primarily Norway, the UK and — for now, at least — the US. Alan Crawford, Bloomberg, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • And kids who learn financial literacy early on are more likely to form healthy relationships with money that can help improve their financial and overall well-being as adults, according to a 2022 study by researchers at Brigham Young University.
    Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Dandelion seeds easily take hold in bare spots, so keep your lawn thick and healthy.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Daniela Avanzini, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, Lara Raj and Yoonchae Jeong of KATSEYE give an energetic performance during their weekend 2 set at Coachella in Indio, California, on April 17.
    Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Adept at skilfully maneuvering guests and their belongings around the estate’s cobbles and dirt tracks on golf buggies, Sao Lourenco’s energetic team of young, enthusiastic staff provide warm-hearted service with care and charisma.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Young certainly could make adjustments based on that reality, but his language is so rich that his poetry also frequently makes its own lyrical case.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026
  • The Quince version has a burgundy interior for a rich-looking touch of color.
    Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 19 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Central bankers must be strong enough to listen to a diversity of views from all corners…humble enough to be open-minded to new ideas and new economic developments…wise enough to translate imperfect data into meaningful insight…and dedicated enough to make judgments faithfully and wisely.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The project increases Georgia’s already strong presence in the growing defense industry.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The team-captain label and All-American honors help, but the real selling points are Schrauth’s sturdy frame, strong hands and a physical style that works in tight quarters.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • In an untitled work from 1995, a cluster of sturdy wagons sits at the edge of a frozen lake, a site where her family of peripatetic horse traders often camped.
    Ben Davis, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The 2019 Kennedy Center honoree, a protege of the late Leonard Bernstein, was a gifted pianist known for his exuberant compositions and ability to break down musical genres, and in particular, his dynamic interpretations of Gustav Mahler.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Nowhere is that dynamic more legible than in the figure of podcaster Theo Von.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • His delusion is central to why this revival is so potent.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • But Ogwumike is the kind of player whom the Sparks could build a competitive campaign around, especially playing alongside Brink in a potent frontcourt.
    Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The Shampoo Bars last at least 80 washes, equivalent to three bottles of liquid shampoo, while the Conditioner Bars last at least 120 washes -- one solid shampoo and conditioner set equals eight liquid bottles.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • That would suggest a summit filled more with ceremony than substance, delivering solid if unspectacular outcomes.
    Andy Browne, semafor.com, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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