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 system also demonstrated robust real-world capabilities by operating reliably when powered by external heat sources reaching up to 130°C. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2026 The candidates are yet to captivate voters with a robust action plan that seriously takes into account the ideological, economic, and governance gaps that enable bad actors to thrive. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Construction included easy access for crews to load/unload concert equipment—saving time and money—and a robust compound near the stage for artists that is akin to a luxury hotel. Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 31 Aug. 2026 Henderson also likes the Garden's coming schedule of bookings, which remains robust. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • Understanding the benefits muscle cells have as endocrine workhorses could help keep us all healthier in the long run.
    Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Higher benchmark yields can lift financing costs even for healthy companies, potentially making some factories, data centers, acquisitions and other investments less economically viable.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • McQueen proves himself a masterful stylist of the modern blockbuster with this energetic action-thriller.
    Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Colombian folk-pop band is known in the Latin music world for catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics and energetic live shows.
    Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Between the classic crossbody design, gold hardware accents, and rich color, this purse is anything but basic.
    Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
  • This luxe accent chair invites fall into your home with its rich velvet upholstery and warm cinnamon shade.
    Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The latest forecast predicts the center will pass roughly 115 to 150 miles west of Kauai, close enough that any additional eastward shifts in the track could bring stronger winds and greater impacts, particularly to Kauai, the hurricane center said.
    Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Design delivers low noise and vibration levels The new Elegance Pod is being developed with a strong focus on total system efficiency.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Neither Jović nor Eala has a sturdy serve, as is common among players their age, so quick points were few and far between.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Its full aluminum build is sturdy and lightweight enough to hold for a long time, and battery life is solid for how bright the screen is, clocking in at over six hours on a single charge in our testing.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Something at home could be bothering you more than you’d like to admit, perhaps a tense family dynamic or the fact that your apartment is a literal mess.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Keeping that cut quality consistent over a full session also relies on active cooling around the transducer and blade area, alongside dynamic output adjustment (rated up to 50W) based on cutting load.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Toad facilitators now regularly milk the toad’s glands and dry the extract so it can be smoked, generating potent trips that are said to collapse the ego.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Together, the formula is more stable—and thus more potent—than any ingredient on its own.
    Deanna Pai, Vogue, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • If Wayne, a fictional character, were a more solid creation, the movie could better explore the issue of whether answering racist brutality in kind is more effective than relying on an inadequate system.
    Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The Volunteers have been the kingpin of Arlington ISD football the last two seasons, but several squads like Lamar, Arlington Martin and Arlington seem to have made solid offseason progress.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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