Synonym Chooser

How is the word wholesome distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of wholesome are hale, healthy, robust, sound, and well. While all these words mean "enjoying or indicative of good health," wholesome implies appearance and behavior indicating soundness and balance.

a face with a wholesome glow

Where would hale be a reasonable alternative to wholesome?

Although the words hale and wholesome have much in common, hale applies particularly to robustness in old age.

still hale at the age of eighty

When is it sensible to use healthy instead of wholesome?

In some situations, the words healthy and wholesome are roughly equivalent. However, healthy implies full strength and vigor as well as freedom from signs of disease.

a healthy family

In what contexts can robust take the place of wholesome?

The synonyms robust and wholesome are sometimes interchangeable, but robust implies the opposite of all that is delicate or sickly.

a lively, robust little boy

When can sound be used instead of wholesome?

The meanings of sound and wholesome largely overlap; however, sound emphasizes the absence of disease, weakness, or malfunction.

a sound heart

When could well be used to replace wholesome?

While the synonyms well and wholesome are close in meaning, well implies merely freedom from disease or illness.

she has never been a well person

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 wholesome Madison shared a video of the pair on TikTok where it has been viewed over 1.2 million times, and in the comments, people were delighted by the pair's wholesome connection. Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024 The Later Daters is the other side of reality TV dating shows—the wholesome kind. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 2 Dec. 2024 Since then, the House of Harlow founder has established a downright wholesome cottagecore-style home life for herself, raising a menagerie of pets, gardening, beekeeping, and harvesting eggs from her backyard chicken coop. Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024 The network, known as a wholesome choice to other Christmas film television networks such as Hallmark and Lifetime, is available on all major cable providers, as well as several streaming services, including Fubo TV, Hulu, and DirecTV Stream. Asher Notheis, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wholesome 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholesome
Adjective
  • In the United States and around the world, the nonprofit works to ensure children grow up healthy, educated, and safe.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Wellbeing In The World Of Hybrid Working As remote and hybrid work becomes the norm, keeping employees fit, happy, and healthy requires new thinking.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Joe Buscaglia, Bills beat writer Rams survive Allen’s best ‘hero ball’ Throughout the first half, the Rams’ defense (and Buffalo’s game plan) made Allen look mortal.
    Tim Graham, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Plus, all of the pup's best and (hilariously worst) moments on set.
    Lauren Huff, EW.com, 8 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The witch’s magic is still MIA, but her attitude is well and truly back.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2024
  • In an interview with BBC Radio 4, Wilson’s cousin and bandmate Love, 83, assured fans that all is well, and that the latest legal decisions have not affected their bond.
    Rachel DeSantis, Peoplemag, 22 May 2024
Adjective
  • Homemade desserts can be a great holiday gift, but for people trying to maintain their weight and eat healthful foods, those gifts may not be a blessing.
    Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Kennedy's focus on healthful foods drew some praise from other senators.
    Peter Sullivan, Axios, 19 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • The alleged cheaters in France used simple techniques to conceal their cameras, like hiding the devices in their clothing, but much more robust options exist on the open market.
    Ben Dowsett, WIRED, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Panelists discussed product design improvements, more robust financing for waste management systems in the U.S. and abroad and other changes that can boost recycling rates.
    Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near wholesome

Cite this Entry

“Wholesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholesome. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on wholesome

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