ROBUST Synonyms: 194 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

robust

adjective

rō-ˈbəst

Definition of robust next

as in healthy

enjoying health and vigor a robust and sturdy toddler

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in energetic

having active strength of body or mind a robust older man who still bicycles 10 miles a day

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in rich

having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) beef and other red meats should be accompanied by robust wines

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in strong

not showing weakness or uncertainty a robust slap on the back welcoming me to the company

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 in a robust job market, uncertainty is unsettling. —

Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025 On one hand, several positive indicators would typically suggest continued strength, such as historically low unemployment rates, record-high corporate profitability, and robust GDP growth. —

Dan Irvine, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025 That is partially because of its media rights deal — a six-year $100 million agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery, according to a source with knowledge of the agreement — and a robust sponsorship roster. —

Ben Pickman, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 But now, publishers, literary magazines and bookstores in Africa have created their own robust literary world. —

German Lopez, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for robust

Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust

Adjective

However, being taller and more muscular comes with greater evolutionary costs, as a male must eat a lot and also be physically healthy both during childhood and as an adult to achieve and maintain such traits.

— Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
The spears are low-calorie and healthy, containing 27 calories per cup when raw, plus fiber, folate, and vitamins K, C, and A. Asparagus is high in antioxidants.

— Nancy LeBrun, Verywell Health, 21 Jan. 2025