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 Believe it or not, these two cultural events have a robust intersection. José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 9 June 2026 Safety and Stability Properties Between various countries’ regulatory approval and real-world use, bemotrizinol has some of the most robust safety and efficacy testing among sunscreen filters. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 9 June 2026 Despite its robust cultural and academic scenes, Los Angeles doesn’t have a particular reputation as an intellectual city—blame it on ‘80s movies and reality TV, but the bleach blonde-and-himbo reputation precedes it. Maxwell Williams, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 June 2026 Maxell’s work with JAXA could contribute to more efficient and robust satellite platforms. Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • Swanson is a healthy player, Counsell said, and the manager wound up subbing him in as the automatic runner at second base for Saturday’s 10th inning against the San Francisco Giants.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 7 June 2026
  • Designed to help support healthier teeth, better sleep, and less jaw discomfort, ClearClub makes preventative dental care simple, convenient and more affordable.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Gamma rays are the most energetic form of light, and they are produced by some of the universe’s most extreme phenomena.
    Christopher Karwin, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
  • The festive, charming and energetic North American tour of the Broadway production is packed with as much nostalgia as new characters that are doppelgangers for the original series’ heroes and villains, and who often challenge our assumptions about their infamous families.
    John Wenzel, Denver Post, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Visitors to New Castle, Delaware, are greeted by cobblestone streets, alleys, dense urbanism and rich history.
    Staff, USA Today, 8 June 2026
  • Maryland’s identity is intertwined with the luminous blue crab, which builds up fat reserves in the cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay during winter hibernation, giving it a bold, rich flavor.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
Adjective
  • But despite a strong sporting heritage, Panama struggled to translate their success to the football pitch.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • Most other Sacramento-area incumbents cruised to strong leads in their legislative races.
    Evelyn Ronan, Sacbee.com, 10 June 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, 29 May 2026
  • Tutt and his teams have worked on engineering designs to safely drop anything needing a sturdy parachute — including the Orion capsule that splashed down last month off the coast of San Diego after its 477,710-mile journey to the moon and back.
    Pat Maio, Oc Register, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • Winona Fighter quickly made a name for itself with its dynamic live shows and DIY spirit, which attract large crowds and have drawn the attention of the Summer School founders.
    Charlie Vargas, Daily News, 4 June 2026
  • Around him, Porte’s drums and Martyn’s synths and effects drift and glide; the repetitive structure is reminiscent of club music, but the perpetual slippage signals more dynamic ways of moving.
    Philip Sherburne, Pitchfork, 4 June 2026
Adjective
  • Lupino makes the most of a low budget, crafting a genuinely suspenseful thriller with potent emotional resonance.
    Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026
  • Lebanon’s fractured system of government makes those fears of civil war or sectarian strife more potent.
    Mick Krever, CNN Money, 6 June 2026
Adjective
  • Morris earned his chance in the rotation through solid Triple-A numbers and due to three starters being out of the picture for now.
    Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026
  • Pitch shows that some substances can appear solid in daily life while still flowing over long periods.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 9 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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