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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 There were decreases in cities with robust service organizations and some that have leaned more heavily on police. Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025 Longbridge stands out for its lower rates and robust digital presence, which includes a reverse mortgage calculator and an easy-to-use servicing portal. Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 20 May 2025 Among Yancey’s rural neighbors, one of the most robust responses to Helene came from McDowell County. Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 19 May 2025 After a robust 2024, the sector is set for even stronger growth this year, with revenues projected to increase by double digits. Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • But Prasad and Makary say the studies are needed to provide evidence that annual shots for healthy younger Americans are evidence-based.
    Michael Erman, USA Today, 21 May 2025
  • Change the water every day or two to keep the roots healthy.
    The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • That motion can help build strength that translates over to tons of daily tasks, like walking an energetic dog or opening a heavy door, to name a few.
    Christa Sgobba, SELF, 12 May 2025
  • The collection combines breathable, comfortable fabrics with a bold, energetic color palette—perfect for those constantly on the go.
    Essence, Essence, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • But the vernacular and ahistorical images are what give the show its rich, tangy flavor.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 24 May 2025
  • Oklahoma City is rich in First American history and culture, and there are myriad ways to connect with it, from authentic Native American restaurants to attending cultural events and shopping at local businesses.
    Anne Roderique-Jones, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • And one particular branch has become strapping and sturdy: Dave Roberts.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even though he is getting upstaged by Judge just a bit, Crow-Armstrong is having a dynamic season for the Chicago Cubs; one that will probably earn him a healthy contract extension this offseason.
    Jared Wyllys, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Additionally, Canada Post is proposing a dynamic routing model for its urban unit, in which where routes are planned and optimized daily to align workloads, prevent the overburdening of employees with volumes and create more predictable service for customers.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Major battlefield victories or changes in Russian politics are the most potent weapons, while sanctions can erode morale and resources.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
  • Now, as President Trump has made challenging the nation’s wealthiest colleges a centerpiece of his second-term agenda, the endowment tax could become a potent weapon.
    Stephanie Saul, New York Times, 20 May 2025
Adjective
  • While the bullpen has been a bit of a mess, the starting rotation has been solid.
    Will Graves, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • Per Deadline Hollywood, which first reported the cancellation, viewership for season 3 was still solid but the show slipped out of Nielsen's Top 10 Originals chart quicker than its predecessors, and the decision to cancel ultimately came down to the show's hefty price tag.
    EW.com, EW.com, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

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