Definition of robustnext
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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 Jaisimha said Colorado’s provisions banning AI companies from claiming specific expertise, for example, would be more robust than what other states have passed, along with the reporting requirements for AI companies in the bill. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026 The Cuban economy, never robust under communist rule, has been in freefall since the pandemic, with nearly a fifth of the population leaving since 2021. Mo Rocca, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026 Lynch, a Stanford graduate, laughed while offering the jab at the Red Raiders’ robust spending that brought in several transfers last offseason. Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026 Situated 15 to 20 miles inland of the Gulf of Mexico, this small lakeside town boasts a surprising blend of rich cinematic history, a robust nature scene, and classic Old Florida charm that’s hard to find elsewhere in the state. India Amos, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
Adjective
  • Collins, Higgins and a healthy Tank Dell could be a lot of fun together.
    Sam Warren, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Planting a tree is an investment in a future with more beauty and shade, less air pollution and flooding, and many other good things that a healthy canopy of trees brings to us and our communities.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In the hours before the dinner, the blocks surrounding the Hilton were already jammed with cars, onlookers, and energetic protesters.
    Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The build from the back at all costs, but with relatively no clear shape, and a huge risk / reward dynamic is not what a youthful energetic team should be doing.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The culinary program leans into Ecuadorian heritage, from Galápagos lobster and freshly caught tuna to cheeses aged in volcanic lava tunnels and rich Ecuadorian chocolate desserts.
    David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Prunes and other fiber-rich foods can help support digestion and prevent constipation.
    Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Jessica Chmielewski, Colleen Gartlan and Ella Riordan led a strong defensive effort in front of Noone.
    Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Set one clear boundary today and confirm expectations so your commitments stay strong and manageable.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The team-captain label and All-American honors help, but the real selling points are Schrauth’s sturdy frame, strong hands and a physical style that works in tight quarters.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2026
  • In an untitled work from 1995, a cluster of sturdy wagons sits at the edge of a frozen lake, a site where her family of peripatetic horse traders often camped.
    Ben Davis, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Real-time obstacle detection means the K1 identifies and navigates around objects in its path, while dynamic cutting adaptation adjusts its approach based on terrain changes.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026
  • An index of spot prices for dynamic random-access memory, or DRAM, chips has risen more than 500% since the end of August.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • One particularly potent collage combines his portrait and fingerprint with the Japanese imperial chrysanthemum.
    Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Tart cherries contain flavonoids, such as anthocyanins (potent antioxidants that give cherries their color).
    Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This is a solid and affordable Ethernet cable that is sufficient for most homes.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Combined with flexible plan options and solid customer support, Cinch is a reliable choice for anyone seeking affordable home warranties without sacrificing quality.
    Alora Bopray, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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