Definition of robustnext
1
2
3
4

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 In recent months, rising exports of electric vehicles, industrial machinery and semiconductors have helped fuel China’s robust shipments globally. ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026 RingCentral's RingEx is an industry-leading communication system that combines your business phone, video calls, and text messages into one robust and user-friendly platform. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2026 Europe boasts a robust space sector with an impressive pedigree, but the industry is not known for its dynamism. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 6 Sep. 2026 Democrats are insisting the measure include a more robust ethics provision. Steven Sloan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • That breadth matters because a healthy theater community needs places where smaller companies don’t carry the price or expectations of Broadway shows.
    Brian Beirne, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Researchers believe this national longevity is likely linked to low rates of obesity, healthy diets, widespread health screenings and affordable health care, which lead to lower mortality rates from heart disease and cancer.
    Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • McQueen proves himself a masterful stylist of the modern blockbuster with this energetic action-thriller.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Colombian folk-pop band is known in the Latin music world for catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics and energetic live shows.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • All are worth a visit, but my personal favorite is La Vara, which blends Jewish and Moorish influences to honor Southern Spain’s rich culinary history.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026
  • In this Dutch drama series based on Noort’s bestselling novel, four rich and glamorous couples are living the dream—until one of them dies in a mysterious house fire.
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 14 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The latest forecast predicts the center will pass roughly 115 to 150 miles west of Kauai, close enough that any additional eastward shifts in the track could bring stronger winds and greater impacts, particularly to Kauai, the hurricane center said.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Design delivers low noise and vibration levels The new Elegance Pod is being developed with a strong focus on total system efficiency.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Neither Jović nor Eala has a sturdy serve, as is common among players their age, so quick points were few and far between.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Its full aluminum build is sturdy and lightweight enough to hold for a long time, and battery life is solid for how bright the screen is, clocking in at over six hours on a single charge in our testing.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Provide them with dynamic deal scoring that offers price guidance based on similar win/loss scenarios.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • King was a dynamic runner who threw for 2,951 yards and 14 touchdowns last season while leading the team with 953 rushing yards and a conference-high 15 rushing scores.
    CBS News, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Once inside the warehouse, shoppers tend to linger, enticed by a potent cocktail of comforting routine, retail adrenaline and cheap eats.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2026
  • As Layla El-Faouly in the Disney+ miniseries Moon Knight, the Egyptian-Palestinian actor May Calamawy gave a convincing, emotionally potent performance in English.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Oriahi has a solid handle on all craft aspects, though only the costumes by Yolanda Okereke are particularly distinguishable — her color stories popping in almost every scene.
    Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Multiple team members held solid relationships with their wholesalers, and his systems ran the operation whether Bruno was on-site or traveling.
    Jason Sisneros, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster