Synonyms of robust

robust

adjective

rō-ˈbəst 

1

as in healthy

enjoying health and vigor

a robust and sturdy toddler

Synonyms & Similar Words

• healthy
• sturdy
• well
• strong
• whole
• wholesome
• fit
• hale
• sound
• hearty
• thriving
• tough
• in shape
• agile
• bouncing
• able-bodied
• well-conditioned
• rugged
• hardy
• vigorous
• lively
• active
• in the pink
• good
• in fine fettle
• stalwart
• hard
• lusty
• iron
• vital
• ambulatory
• sprightly
• prospering
• flourishing
• clean-cut
• nondisabled
• chipper
• uncrippled
• spry
• flush
• right
• blooming
• all right
• sprightful

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weak
• feeble
• sick
• unhealthy
• unfit
• ill
• unsound
• diseased
• weakly
• weakened
• challenged
• sickly
• fragile
• unwell
• ailing
• disabled
• enfeebled
• infirm
• decrepit
• delicate
• lame
• halt
• frail
• crippled
• debilitated
• incapacitated
• troubled
• gaunt
• poorly
• bad
• differently abled
• worn-out
• undernourished
• run-down
• haggard
• malnourished
• sickened
• emaciated
• afflicted

2

as in energetic

having active strength of body or mind

a robust older man who still bicycles 10 miles a day

Synonyms & Similar Words

• energetic
• dynamic
• vigorous
• powerful
• lively
• strong
• healthy
• vital
• capable
• tough
• lusty
• sturdy
• mighty
• spirited
• fit
• peppy
• athletic
• hale
• flush
• red-blooded
• muscular
• rugged
• brisk
• animated
• vivacious
• kinetic
• sprightly
• gingery
• hardy
• stout
• beefy
• energized
• sound
• virile
• fortified
• punchy
• competent
• burly
• vitalized
• rejuvenated
• firm
• invigorated
• refreshed
• dashing
• enlivened
• stalwart
• brawny
• husky
• hearty
• puissant
• robustious
• revitalized
• mettlesome
• strapping
• able-bodied

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weak
• sluggish
• feeble
• dull
• delicate
• faint
• lethargic
• listless
• frail
• torpid
• weakened
• infirm
• soft
• impotent
• powerless
• wan
• tired
• effete
• lazy
• languid
• indolent
• lackadaisical
• prostrate
• wimpy
• enervated
• unhealthy
• ill
• invertebrate
• unsound
• spineless
• nerveless
• disabled
• sapped
• wasted
• unwell
• decrepit
• debilitated
• prostrated
• broken-down
• worn-out

3

as in rich

having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor)

beef and other red meats should be accompanied by robust wines

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rich
• strong
• potent
• concentrated
• big
• muscular
• full
• plush
• heady
• full-bodied
• lusty
• heavy
• undiluted
• fortified
• unmixed
• enriched
• straight
• high-octane
• high-test

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weak
• thin
• mild
• light
• delicate
• weakened
• thinned
• dilute
• diluted
• watery
• watered-down

4

as in strong

not showing weakness or uncertainty

a robust slap on the back welcoming me to the company

Synonyms & Similar Words

• strong
• sturdy
• solid
• vigorous
• firm
• powerful
• stout
• forceful
• tough
• iron
• hearty
• lusty
• mighty
• hard
• lively
• brisk
• ironclad
• energetic
• unyielding
• confident
• spirited
• vivacious
• sprightly
• vital
• perky
• secure
• animated
• frisky
• jazzy
• springy
• jaunty
• peppy
• certain
• assured
• sure
• sanguine
• zippy
• sprightful

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• weak
• uncertain
• feeble
• fragile
• frail
• limp
• listless
• spiritless
• insecure
• diffident
• wimpy
• weakened
• spineless
• characterless
• effete
• self-doubting
• wishy-washy
• weak-kneed

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

Recent Examples of robust

While associate test kitchen manager Inés Anguiano praised their robust beef flavor. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 June 2025

Still, even factoring in territories able to fill such gaps with robust domestic output, Europe’s ongoing, post-pandemic recovery saw an overall lull — prompting CineEurope organizers to plan this year’s expo with a greater degree of introspection. —Ben Croll, Variety, 13 June 2025

The anti-ICE protests in L.A. were being contained and handled by local law enforcement, the robust LAPD and even larger Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 12 June 2025

On the complex palate, vibrant fruit emerges, supported by a robust herbaceous backbone, while subtle wood adds depth to the outstanding finish. —Hudson Lindenberger, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025