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 Jaisimha said Colorado’s provisions banning AI companies from claiming specific expertise, for example, would be more robust than what other states have passed, along with the reporting requirements for AI companies in the bill. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026 The Cuban economy, never robust under communist rule, has been in freefall since the pandemic, with nearly a fifth of the population leaving since 2021. Mo Rocca, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026 Lynch, a Stanford graduate, laughed while offering the jab at the Red Raiders’ robust spending that brought in several transfers last offseason. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026 Situated 15 to 20 miles inland of the Gulf of Mexico, this small lakeside town boasts a surprising blend of rich cinematic history, a robust nature scene, and classic Old Florida charm that’s hard to find elsewhere in the state. India Amos, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 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
  • Jessica Chmielewski, Colleen Gartlan and Ella Riordan led a strong defensive effort in front of Noone.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Set one clear boundary today and confirm expectations so your commitments stay strong and manageable.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 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
  • Renewables require a more dynamic grid, more energy storage, and a wider range of power sources to compensate for their intermittency.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026
  • This week, Metro is set to unveil the first part of a nine-mile subway under Wilshire, one of the most dynamic and traffic-clogged stretches of Los Angeles.
    National Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 7 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
  • This is a solid and affordable Ethernet cable that is sufficient for most homes.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Combined with flexible plan options and solid customer support, Cinch is a reliable choice for anyone seeking affordable home warranties without sacrificing quality.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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