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 Even the most robust learning program can fall short if managers are not actively engaged in employee development conversations. — Priya Krishnan, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026 The settlement also outlines more robust and user-friendly parental controls, stronger age verification measures TikTok must take, and stronger content moderation protocols. — ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026 Don’t miss the sake program, one of the most robust in the country. — Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026 Experts say robust independent oversight is crucial to keep youth in juvenile justice facilities safe, but Tennessee does not have this. — Paige Pfleger, ProPublica, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • New wave of proteinmaxxing Higher protein portions are becoming the new normal as Americans search for healthier lifestyles amidst the affordability and food safety crisis.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The food is healthy, fresh, and inventive enough to persuade you to dine in for at least a couple of nights, in spite of Ubud’s strong and growing food scene.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • In the current Mexican scene, Emjay is one of the best live performers, known for her energetic and emotional shows.
    — Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
  • This is the most energetic and exciting premiere of Survivor in a long time.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Expect light wood accents, rich textiles, white plantation shutters, and framed artwork alongside in-room lending libraries.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Deep underground, groundwater comes into direct contact with iron-rich minerals such as olivine, triggering a chemical reaction called serpentinization.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • There’s a strong focus on wellness at this resort, but participation isn’t mandatory.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The urge to act quickly could be strong, but not every realization needs an immediate dramatic response.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Massimo The truck is built on a sturdy steel frame that’s attached to a coilover suspension system on all four sides.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Unlike plastic containers, these sturdy steel swaps won’t stain, warp, or hold onto pesky odors.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • This dynamic exploded in 2021 with Beeple’s $69 million sale to the crypto financier Vignesh Sundaresan, also known as MetaKovan, at Christie’s.
    — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • As agents continuously dispatch tasks and process dynamic data streams, the importance of central processing units, or CPUs, is rising rapidly.
    — , CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Introduced crawling through the Trask family’s field, her black blood spattering their rich soil like a human pesticide, Cathy personifies the series’ potent blend of dread and beauty.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2026
  • But increasingly, Americans are turning to newer, more potent products made with a semi-synthetic kratom derivative, 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH.
    — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 30 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Some really solid casting there in evoking, but not mimicking, either Faist or Abbott.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2026
  • For dinner, there are five solid options, each with its own distinct menu and mood.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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