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 CalPERS pairs the long tenures with what Moulds calls one of the most robust data warehouses in the country to understand historical health care costs. Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026 Among the key regional highlights was CosRx’s sustained growth with The Blue Peptide Bakuchiol launch and robust sales gains across Aestura’s Atobarrier 365 line. Footwear News, 18 Aug. 2026 Marcus and Shari were really looking for specialized doctors, more robust medical resources, and a solid support system for their sons. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 Social democracies, such as Denmark, Norway and Sweden, maintain capitalist economies while combining them with robust government regulation and strong social programs. Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • The healthiest couples don’t choose between caring for themselves and caring for each other.
    Joshua Coleman, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Sardines can be part of a healthy diet, but eating them regularly isn’t likely to dramatically change the appearance or health of someone’s skin on its own.
    Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Manzambi is seen as dynamic, energetic, a strong ball-carrier and importantly, versatile.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Thanksgiving always has produced an interesting dynamic with five tall, energetic kids circling for a turkey leg.
    Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That nutritional profile has made sardines a particularly popular choice among people looking to add more nutrient-rich foods to their diets.
    Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The analysis is particularly striking in Indian Creek, where the golf course sits at the heart of an enclave whose 41 homeowners include some of the world’s richest people.
    Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Reese missed badly on the layup attempt, but her strong play sparked an Atlanta Dream rally before halftime.
    Michael Cunningham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Historically, the strongest predictor of a recruiting boom has been a weak economy.
    Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Stidham with a sturdy opening act There may not have been another Broncos player who was more eager to get on the field Friday night than Stidham.
    Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Despite a recent controversy regarding his comments about Dodgers fans, Crow-Armstrong's dynamic play and the potential for a new MVP face could sway voters over Ohtani's two-way dominance.
    Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The 11mm dynamic speaker drivers deliver punchy bass and detailed clarity, while Clear Calling algorithms filter out background wind and hallway noise during calls.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • That fire makes for a potent combination with her swimming roots.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
  • But the most potent redemption on the record is enacted musically.
    Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • There's some solid Santa Maria-style BBQ tri-tip, as well as Tex Mex classics like nachos and quesadillas alongside a variety of burgers and fries.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Ryan Christie, Lewis Cook and Alex Toth are solid rotation options in midfield.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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