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 robust giving was propelled by positive economic factors, says Jon Bergdoll, interim director of data and research partnerships at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, which conducts the research for the report. ABC News, 23 June 2026 Meanwhile, the damn name supports robust merch, a theater, and a restaurant. Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 23 June 2026 More than anything, the docuseries serves as a historical lesson about the cracks in America’s founding and how robust and fragile American democracy really is. Marlow Stern, Variety, 22 June 2026 These hybrids, combining the traits of tree and garden peonies, feature robust stems, eliminating the need for staking the plant. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • Prior research has linked secure attachment throughout childhood and adolescence to better mental health, healthier relationships and greater emotional resilience.
    Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
  • Eating both broccoli and Brussels sprouts can be part of a healthy, balanced diet.
    Danielle Zickl, Health, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Personalized treatments are built around three pillars—energetic renewal, conscious longevity, and stress management—and integrated with the landscape and architecture of the property and the regional cuisine.
    Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 21 June 2026
  • Space hurricanes occur in the Earth’s ionosphere and magnetosphere near the magnetic poles, where streams of energetic particles interact with the atmosphere.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • Matching your belt, shoes, and purse is an easy way to make an outfit feel intentional and look cohesive, and Swift did so by opting for a similarly rich brown leather style.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
  • Those were his 57th and 58th playing internationally, tying and passing Oliver Giroud for the most in the country's rich history.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Projections varied in the weeks leading up to the draft with no real consensus among draft analysts, but in the last 24 hours there were strong indications the Clippers would choose Wagler and the Nets would take Brown.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026
  • Your desire for solitude and introspection is strong during today’s Scorpio moon.
    USA TODAY, USA Today, 24 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, 19 June 2026
  • Serving tray for entertaining $25 to $50 This straightforward serving tray is a reliable standard that’s sturdy and comes in seven colors.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
Adjective
  • Esports is one of the most dynamic cultural movements of our time.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 18 June 2026
  • Opposition to that measure has been particularly fierce in the technology and biotech sectors, whose representatives say tax breaks for research allow for the kind of expensive bets on innovation that have long driven California’s dynamic economy.
    Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026
Adjective
  • But Algeria, ranked 28th in the world, entered the tournament with high hopes and one of African soccer’s most potent attacks.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • Tucker said people use it to get high, and it is believed to be 25–50% as potent as fentanyl.
    Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Affordable July 4 destinations July 4 may be a peak travel period, but travelers can still snag some solid deals for a beach vacation.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Plenty of the group stage games have gone 0-0 before players returned to the locker room, but at least solid chances have been created.
    Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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