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

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 wholesome This is wholesome news, considering the former Wendy Williams Show host broke down in tears during her interview about the possibility of not seeing her father on his birthday. —

Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 3 Feb. 2025 Mayers seemed to have successfully transitioned into a wholesome dad with both underground rap and high-culture acclaim, including a famous 2023 Vogue cover that showed him and a pregnant Rihanna walking hand in hand down a beach while Mayers held their first child. —

James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 22 Jan. 2025 My diet will never be as wholesome as Dr. Nestle’s. —

New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 The mythical dream of dinner is that after a hard but wholesome day at school or work, the family unit is reunited over a hot meal, freshly prepared. —

Rachel Sugar, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for wholesome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholesome

Adjective

This balance not only sustains long-term motivation but also enhances focus, creativity and overall well-being, promoting a healthier approach to success.

— Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025
The 31-year-old team leader still managed to play in 151 games, and despite the foot injury, has now logged three healthy seasons, playing 151 in 2022 and career-high 152 in 2023.

— Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 14 Feb. 2025