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 Without robust evidence, Americans remain vulnerable when purchasing products that have not undergone regulatory oversight. Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 Its purpose is to support a robust domestic shipbuilding industry capable of constructing battleships and cruisers, and a robust domestic merchant-marine fleet and workforce that can transport goods and people. James Surowiecki, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026 The researchers note that developing robust pre-treatment systems will be vital, as everyday impurities can quickly poison and deactivate the sensitive metal catalyst. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 20 July 2026 Scientists have long proposed that modern Homo sapiens outcompeted their robust cousins through sheer intelligence. Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • But unlike the scramble to rescue coral babies a few years back, these corals were still perfectly healthy.
    Alex Harris July 23, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026
  • This relative strength chart shows that whenever GOOGL outperformed the MAGS ETF, both the stock and the ETF tended to advance at a healthy pace.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Munda, 19, has intermittently trained with the seniors over the past couple of seasons and the energetic midfielder is primed for a loan move in the new season.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • In his view, our cognition, mood, and conscious experience reflect deeper energetic processes — down to the subcellular level.
    Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Watson joins a rich constellation of auteurs who have previously presided over the Sarajevo jury in past editions, including Mike Leigh, Jeremy Irons, Asghar Farhadi, Ruben Östlund, and Mia Wasikowska.
    Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 22 July 2026
  • Quinoa is also rich in fiber, as well as magnesium, iron, folate, and potassium, per Zinn.
    Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • After a strong start to the tournament, the reigning champions teetered on the brink of elimination throughout the knockout stage, trailing Egypt and England until the closing stages, needing extra time to overcome Cape Verde and Switzerland.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • The incoming prime minister grew up in the northwest of England, a part of the country where the Catholic Church has traditionally had a strong presence, and his outlook has been shaped by Catholic teaching.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Adjective
  • Made from rust-resistant, double-layered aluminum, the table feels light enough to move around, but also sturdy enough not to blow over in a storm.
    Sarah Scott, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
  • Odysseus also prided himself on being the only person able to string his sturdy bow.
    Tanya Fedak, Variety, 18 July 2026
Adjective
  • Some of the most dynamic underclassmen college football has to offer this year come in big, fast and versatile sizes and shapes.
    Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Many airline reward programs — including Delta's SkyMiles, United's MileagePlus and American Airlines' AAdvantage — have adopted some form of dynamic pricing, which bases fares on demand.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 22 July 2026
Adjective
  • Despite the quality of both sides, the matchup pits the tournament’s most potent attack against its tightest defense.
    Mark Hodge, NBC news, 17 July 2026
  • This defensive strength, anchored by goalkeeper Unai Simon and the dynamic center-back duo of veteran Aymeric Laporte and rising teenage star Pau Cubarsi, presents a significant challenge to Lionel Messi and Argentina's potent attack.
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Favorable rainfall trends across major producing nations, including Spain, have paved the way for a solid global yield for the upcoming harvest, Valdés said, consolidating a more robust and balanced global supply.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • To solve this degradation problem, the research team focused on a specific sulfide solid electrolyte known as lithium phosphorus sulfur chloride (LPSCl).
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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