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 The pending sale of the Los Angeles Lakers and robust expansion process in Las Vegas re-iterated that markets matter. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Damian Kevitt, founder of Streets Are for Everyone, said a more robust report would have included data captured from all the speed camera locations, including sections with a higher speed limit. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 This router has some robust security protocols, as TP-Link is a signatory of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Secure-by-Design pledge. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026 However, most analysts see the spectrum move as a sign that SpaceX is getting closer to providing robust service in cities and other urban areas, opening up new markets for Starlink. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • The pope isn’t known to be a smoker and has made efforts to have a healthy lifestyle, but there is a history of cancer in his immediate family.
    — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Because your husband should totally be your mentor, that’s a very healthy power dynamic!
    — Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Cheers, jeers, and energetic call-and-response exchanges echoed through the hall as the audience, dressed in bright green, pink, and red, some wearing candidate T-shirts, listened.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Swelling the two-person ranks of Price, Siffre and Associates is Michael’s energetic former assistant, Christy Palladino (Ella Stiller), fired for talking to him on the phone.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Chan Luu is hardly an emerging brand because of its rich history, but Tessa Tran, the niece of Chan Luu, bought back the family business in 2023 and has since revived the line as artistic director.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • At least 84 people remained missing in one of the deadliest shipwrecks yet on the popular but perilous crossing from the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula, where many migrants seek work in rich Gulf nations.
    — JAMEY KEATEN, Arkansas Online, 12 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • All manner of contemporary art is shown here, with a collection over 200,000 pieces strong, ranging from Diane Arbus and Cindy Sherman photographs to paintings from Francis Bacon and Sol LeWitt sculptures.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than a sudden surge, the new estimate shows the population has always been strong, thriving, and secure.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The play, like a sturdy classic that Sheldon might love, runs over two hours with an intermission, not without dragging.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Flavors of plum, dark chocolate, and blueberry are supported by sturdy, yet silky tannins and the finish goes on for what seems like days.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The cast was flanked by the dynamic duo behind the film, Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson, who drew upon their real relationship to navigate some of the film’s trickier moments.
    — Kenneal Patterson, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Because your husband should totally be your mentor, that’s a very healthy power dynamic!
    — Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • As gusty winds begin to flow out of the northeast later this week, the combination of dry air and this offshore breeze will combine into an especially potent and widespread risk for spreading fire through Saturday across nearly the entire state.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • No, the party insists that Republicans are in charge, making voters angry with their handling of the economy and the Middle East, so the culture-war politicking that worked for a decade won’t be as potent in November.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Kansas City is investigating how one of its solid waste trucks struck a bicyclist over the weekend, leaving the rider with life-threatening injuries.
    — Dylan Lysen, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The Packers themselves have been solid as a team offensively, but notably rank dead last in the league in rushing yards.
    — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 15 Oct. 2026.

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