WHOLESOME Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

wholesome

adjective

ˈhōl-səm

Definition of wholesome next

as in healthy

enjoying health and vigor a wholesome young woman in the prime of her life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in good

beneficial to the health of body or mind trying to eat a more wholesome diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Indeed, Christmas holiday candles that evoke a wholesome evening spent by the fireplace are an effortless way to maintain good spirits throughout the dark and cold days, while making sure your abode smells absolutely intoxicating. —

Claire Sullivan, WWD, 30 Dec. 2024 There’s also an in-room à la carte menu with wholesome options such as smoothies, Nutella toast, avocado and feta cheese toast and banana nut bread. —

Kaila Yu, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 Japan: Visiting a temple for lucky charms Japan’s New Year’s traditions have a wholesome focus. —

Chris Ciolli, AFAR Media, 23 Dec. 2024 There was a bleakness to the world that was at odds with what had prior to that been established as very cozy and wholesome and sweet. —

Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for wholesome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholesome

Adjective

For many people who are healthy and don’t have underlying health conditions, the short-term effects of wildfire smoke will likely resolve once they’re no longer exposed to the smoke, Han says.

Chantelle Lee, TIME, 9 Jan. 2025
As with stem cuttings, healthy leaves should be allowed to callous over for a few days before propagation to reduce the chances of rot.

Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Jan. 2025