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 delay has been due to disputes between LAWA and the builder consortium (LINXS), and a lack of a robust dispute resolution process. Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 Our design benchmark was to keep power consumption very low, ideally lower than a standard stereo camera system, while maintaining robust communication performance. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 June 2026 Crucially, the military should balance these financials with attractive inducements such as robust family health care coverage, prescription drug cost reductions, and partial pension possibilities for those who provide vital service short of a full 20-year career. Robert Krasner, STAT, 1 June 2026 Consider evaluating all three, then, and get quotes from multiple companies in order to ensure both affordability and robust coverage. Matt Richardson, CBS News, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • Yes, that extension will probably be worth anywhere from $15-17 million per season — a healthy bump from the $9-million cap hit Makar commanded in ’25-26.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
  • As a part of a broader effort to help curtail these ill effects, HHS has released a comprehensive advisory report on the harms of screen use and how parents can help promote healthy habits.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Platini had star quality, but Infantino was an energetic administrator with a noticeable gift for languages.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • We were joined by İsmet Öztanık, the energetic third-generation hotelier behind the Avantgarde Refined brand, which also includes a sister Bodrum property alongside the family’s larger Avantgarde Collection portfolio.
    Anya von Bremzen, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • Over the course of Gregory Orr’s long career, his poems have become increasingly incantatory, more and more like chants or psalms, repeating, reformulating, reaching for the edges of the same rich metaphors.
    Craig Morgan Teicher, Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
  • Time gave us the late-career brilliance of filmmakers like Jane Campion, Agnès Varda, Claire Denis, and Kathryn Bigelow, whose work became richer, fiercer, and more self-assured because these women had lived and learned so much.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 31 May 2026
Adjective
  • For dinner off the islet, the local fine dining scene is strong with options like Chef Duc’s Mango Rooms, and Mùa by Truc, which are all worth a visit.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026
  • There will also be a strong north to south longshore current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 3 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
  • Ideally, a midfielder with a dynamic movement profile, slash dribbler or ball-winner.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
  • Dawson has coached many dynamic receivers who have played in the NFL.
    Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Formaldehyde often forms when methane, a potent planet-heating gas, is destroyed in the atmosphere.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
  • Those chips pack the desirable, potent Intel Arc B390 graphics.
    John Burek, PC Magazine, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • The dates up to that point were solid, according to Kristin.
    Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026
  • The breakfast menu is solid, with great coffee, a strong smoothie list, and things like overnight oats and an elevated take on an egg and cheese.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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