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 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
  • Reason for hope on defense If the top players on the back end stay healthy, this secondary will be one of the best in the NFL.
    Chad Graff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • This year, thanks to a healthy budget allocation from the state, the CSU Board of Trustees decided to advance some capital projects.
    Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 9 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
  • And the following books represent a rich range of literary earnestness.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Financial details are not been disclosed but sources describe it as a rich deal, with the streamer buying the short story for $1M+ in addition to a script commitment to the adaptation, penned by Binge.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 9 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
  • Their dynamic guys outside looked scary and like Oregon is going to be more explosive this year than in 2025.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Each one of her novels presents a different setting and dynamic, but her oeuvre is unified by careful thought, sharp style, and an uncanny ability to make the pages want to turn.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The Athletic examines what makes this type of punch special and why Garcia, who defends his WBC welterweight title against Conor Benn this weekend, is equipped with one of the most potent weapons in the sport.
    Chris McKenna, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Along with meaningful capital to put toward releases, Legion M’s online community is a potent resource.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Organic chemistry targets scale Unlike batteries that store energy in solid electrodes, flow batteries keep their energy-storing electrolytes in external tanks.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2026
  • But then again, Enzo Maresca’s side have won three out of three and dug out a solid away victory in the Champions League in midweek.
    Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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