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 LLMs, for example, are not given robust, explicit prescriptions on grammar, or an overly structured map for interpreting what matters and why about every point of knowledge in their datasets. ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026 Buyers entering the hobby through Nintendo games, Pokémon cards and comics are increasingly competing at seven-figure levels, while demand for museum-quality paintings, historical documents, rare books and numismatic material remains robust. Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 13 July 2026 The idea of establishing a more robust federal incentive has drawn support from members on both sides of the aisle, amid concerns over the flight of productions overseas. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 13 July 2026 The selloff coincided with chipmaker TSMC reporting a 36% jump in quarterly sales, signaling that global demand for AI computing remains robust. Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 13 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • Each format layers protein with fiber and healthy fats, which helps stretch a small meal into real nutrition.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson July 15, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • Such tests are not recommended for cognitively healthy people, but specialists can use them in people with signs of mild cognitive impairment or more advanced dementia.
    Sandee LaMotte, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Adjective
  • Even small toe-taps or a light head bob accompanies the least energetic.
    Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • Adrian, creative and energetic from childhood on—and raised in the presence of movie cameras—became a filmmaker himself, fusing a passion for extreme skiing with his cinematic sensibility.
    Marina Harss, New Yorker, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • Researchers have found the diet, which is full of fiber-rich plants and lean proteins, can improve heart health and longevity.
    Anahad O’Connor, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
  • This is a spoiled, privileged, rich girl who should be on MTV’s My Super Sweet 16 instead of Bravo.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 16 July 2026
Adjective
  • Beyond California, scientists are raising alarms over the planet’s warming oceans, which — coupled with a strong El Niño — could increase temperatures for land dwellers in the coming weeks.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Weather aside, Fall/Winter 2026 Haute Couture Week, running from July 6 to 9, will feature shows from 30 houses, compared with FW25’s 27-strong line-up.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 6 July 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, 6 July 2026
  • For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • That dynamic, extrapolated across the rising local cost of essential goods, has forced more Miami-Dade families than ever before into economic distress.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • Unlike isolated gym exercises, soccer naturally integrates these elements in a dynamic and enjoyable environment.
    Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Despite the quality of both sides, the matchup pits the tournament’s most potent attack against its tightest defense.
    Mark Hodge, NBC news, 17 July 2026
  • This defensive strength, anchored by goalkeeper Unai Simon and the dynamic center-back duo of veteran Aymeric Laporte and rising teenage star Pau Cubarsi, presents a significant challenge to Lionel Messi and Argentina's potent attack.
    Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Adjective
  • Favorable rainfall trends across major producing nations, including Spain, have paved the way for a solid global yield for the upcoming harvest, Valdés said, consolidating a more robust and balanced global supply.
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 17 July 2026
  • To solve this degradation problem, the research team focused on a specific sulfide solid electrolyte known as lithium phosphorus sulfur chloride (LPSCl).
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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