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 Language classes, which previously covered only a specific dialect of Spanish, have been replaced with robust translation and interpretation services that apply to multiple languages. Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026 Aluminum bottles and cups replace plastic, even poolside, supported by a robust back-of-house sorting and recycling system. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026 But Jones said part of his company’s role is to educate on the need for robust cybersecurity practices. Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2026 But Bellinger is believed to have a robust market and is considered the incumbent Yankees’ top target. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • The Panthers are pretty darn healthy this time of year compared to many teams, and that has undoubtedly helped.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026
  • We’re trapped by recent history — the prior year’s numbers for healthy players are the top factor in every projection.
    Michael Salfino, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Whether that’s stand in the pocket, whether that’s run, whether that’s scramble, whether that’s hand the ball off 30 times and be energetic about it.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The show channels a certain energetic, zany sense of humor viewers could recognize from their own adolescent friendships and antics, culminating in a five-season run and a 2021–2023 revival on Paramount+.
    Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Layer warm materials and textures to make spaces feel richer and less stark.
    Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Trump has repeatedly touted Venezuela’s rich oil supply as among the motivations for the January 2 military assault on the country and the capture of its leader, Nicolás Maduro, who has since been charged with drug trafficking and weapons possession.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Also at tight end, Jackson Verdugo, who had a strong freshman season, is due back, and FIU signed incoming freshmen Davis Brown and Ayden Passley.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Nicole says Hannah did get better and stronger — strong enough that Hannah's neurologist told her the whole story.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • With sturdy construction, ample shelf space, and glass doors, china cabinets are excellent for storing and displaying delicate china sets, trinkets, decorative plates, heirloom decor, and more.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Not because the moms themselves are toxic people, but because the dynamic shifts into an ugly place with mean-girl behavior.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The 53-year-old Mladenov has long been involved in Middle Eastern politics with solid expertise in the region’s dynamic developments.
    Veselin Toshkov, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This was the company that Thomas Edison built, with a management system so potent that investors once believed it could be applied to light bulbs, nuclear reactors, Saturday Night Live and its opaque GE Capital finance arm with equal results.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Prosecutors said that in December 2024, Mexican authorities raided multiple fentanyl production labs across Sinaloa that were allegedly controlled by the father and son and made the world’s largest ever fentanyl seizure, which totaled more than 3,300 pounds of the ultra-potent drug.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Even with the affair, David's alibi appeared to be solid, so Belinda's murder went unsolved for years.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Polka dots bring visual interest without overwhelming a look, pairing easily with solid staples.
    Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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