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 company previously upped the range to $85 billion in July due to robust cloud products and services demand. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026 Congress could create a robust damages remedy for federal officers who violate the Constitution. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 Lacking the robust convictions of his two childhood friends who come with him to Rome from their home in the Lake Duchessa area—the priest Vittorio (Andrea Arcangeli) and the future Red Brigade member Fabione (Pierluigi Gigante). Rory Doherty, Time, 26 Jan. 2026 Coming soon, the lounge’s outdoor Music Park will bring live shows and three Airstream food trucks to the city’s robust music scene. Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • In fact, research indicates that a healthy diet in addition to frequent exercise can promote significant risk reductions for rates of heart attacks.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
  • The rainbows were fat and healthy, with broad shoulders.
    Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 25 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • His interests reflect both his creativity and his energetic spirit.
    MARE Staff, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
  • Some 35 times more energetic than any neutrino seen before, the particle might have shot out from a highly active galaxy — a blazar — or a background source of cosmogenic high-energy particles that scientists suspect pervade the cosmos.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Layer warm materials and textures to make spaces feel richer and less stark.
    Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Trump has repeatedly touted Venezuela’s rich oil supply as among the motivations for the January 2 military assault on the country and the capture of its leader, Nicolás Maduro, who has since been charged with drug trafficking and weapons possession.
    Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Neighbors are now calling for a stronger police presence beyond the campus itself.
    Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The yen touched its strongest level since October in US trading Tuesday after comments from Japanese officials, including just recently the finance minister, fueled speculation that the government may intervene in the market to prevent the currency from resuming its decline.
    Mia Glass, Bloomberg, 28 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • If possible, drive to a nearby sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Emanuel and his partners were soon signing the most glittering names in show business, acquiring some of the most dynamic companies on the planet (IMG, UFC, WWE).
    Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026
  • After choosing a makeup look from one of three makeup artists—Carolina Gonzalez, Allan Avendano, and Fiona Stiles—who have partnered with Swan, a dynamic overlay is adapted to your face shape to help with product application.
    Elizabeth Gulino, Allure, 29 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • One of the strongest counters to a potent pass rush is a steady run game.
    Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
  • With Minnesota leading by four and 1 minute, 10 seconds to play, Edwards got lackadaisical in his off-ball defense while guarding Chicago’s most potent scorer, Coby White.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 23 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Enable Night Mode or Pro Mode, use the main camera lens, and stabilize the phone with a tripod or solid surface.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • In January 1986, cold temperatures compromised rubber O-ring seals on the solid rocket boosters of the space shuttle Challenger, which led to a tragic accident that claimed the lives of seven astronauts during the launch of the STS-51L mission.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

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