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 price of inaction and, conversely, the benefits of robust due diligence are much harder to measure. — Ben Vanpeperstraete, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 Facing life behind bars if found guilty for the 2025 killing of his parents, Nick Reiner moved a lot closer today to getting his hands on his trust fund to put on a robust defense. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026 In addition, our staff complete a robust survey of the ward to select additional projects and identify the streets and sidewalks most in need of repair. — Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 There is more advanced musculature on the puppets’ limbs, as well as more robust and flexible materials for clothing, hair, and fur. — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • And while the new study was conducted only among cancer patients, Mak said more research could reveal whether similar findings may emerge among otherwise healthy people who may be interested in their longevity.
    — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Sophie, mom Annie and her great-aunt comprised The 3 Suckers — a play on the small side shoots that can stunt the growth of healthy leaves.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • This lunar event shifts the energetic landscape significantly.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Now, the Andrés group is back with an equally glamorous restaurant, one that highlights aged steaks in an energetic and theatrical setting.
    — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Ocean iron fertilization grew from the idea that iron-rich dust blown across the oceans during past ice ages fed blooms of phytoplankton, helping to lower atmospheric CO₂.
    — Alec Luhn, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • That opened the door to a rich landscape of DIY VR development, complete with software tools and hardware advice on how to get started.
    — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Policymakers recognized that American companies needed a stronger reason to invest in innovation.
    — Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Meta Platforms, which is pushing its Muse AI agent, lost 7% after reporting stronger revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected, though its profit fell short.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Denim is a sturdy cotton textile that is woven in a twill pattern, creating a distinctive diagonal rib on the fabric’s surface.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Carrying a large pump spray bottle and a small, sturdy brush, Caitlin Abrams stood before two starkly contrasting graves in a modest cemetery in western Vermont.
    — Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • As an open source scripting language for building dynamic websites and web apps, PHP has come to be a de facto building block for the Web.
    — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This capital intensive model forces SpaceX to rely heavily on debt financing or external liquidity to bridge cash deficits, a dynamic analysts warn remains a key drag on market sentiment.
    — , CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • That's a big deal, considering the potent ingredients in its lineup.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
  • This season, the Bruins have a potent rushing game, a dynamic new starting quarterback and defense that has delivered explosive plays.
    — Jordan Puente, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • From Traditional Craftsmanship to Modern EDC Design The body of Bronze Blossom is crafted from solid bronze, a material known for its durability, warm appearance, and ability to develop a unique patina over time.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Capital One is finally getting credit for a solid quarter, but the debate surrounding the credit card giant's stock is far from settled.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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