robust

adjective

rō-ˈbəst How to pronounce robust (audio)
Definition of robustnext
1
as in healthy
enjoying health and vigor a robust and sturdy toddler

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in energetic
having active strength of body or mind a robust older man who still bicycles 10 miles a day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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
4
as in strong
not showing weakness or uncertainty a robust slap on the back welcoming me to the company

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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

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 This compact security camera offers exceptional value and robust features in a tiny design. —Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025 Provide supplemental irrigation as needed during the first year after planting to develop a robust root system. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025 Witkoff added that if a deal with Tehran is forged, there needs to be a robust verification process to ensure that Iran is not working on producing a nuclear bomb. —Filip Timotija, The Hill, 12 Apr. 2025 For Xia, robust security isn't a response to industry events but has been Bitmart's core philosophy since day one. —Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for robust
Recent Examples of Synonyms for robust
  1. healthy
  2. energetic
  3. rich
  4. strong
  5. sturdy
  6. dynamic
  7. potent
  8. solid
Adjective
  • Orlando is mostly healthy now and led by combo wings Franz Wagner and Palo Banchero.
    — Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • LaMelo Ball, on a max contract through the 2028-29 season, is undoubtedly one of the game’s most creative players but also hasn’t been able to stay healthy.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of healthy
Adjective
  • This was a fantastic week in Paris — energetic and full of strong debuts.
    — Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Claudine’s vibe is welcoming and the lunch crowd is energetic.
    — Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • The main living areas are located on the ground and second floors, offering expansive reception rooms, intricate plasterwork, and rich period details that have been carefully restored and elevated under Kime’s discerning eye and commitment to authenticity.
    — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Video Other rich countries have not filled the gap.
    — Declan Walsh, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of rich
Adjective
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    — National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    — Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
Definition of strong
Adjective
  • It’s built from a sturdy metal base with a solid wood and plywood frame and has a swivel design that rotates 360 degrees.
    — Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • In addition to the missing sturdy bollards, which were under repair, the city’s portable steel barriers were in the down position during New Year’s celebrations, CNN previously reported.
    — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • His mother, her mental health, brothers, that family dynamic.
    — H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • In today’s dynamic financial landscape, access to expert insights is paramount.
    — Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of dynamic
Adjective
  • This threat, while at its most potent with just 24 hours left on the filing deadline clock, will continue to pose a danger to all users for some months to come.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Seeing a leader actually step up and lead is a rarity these days, and Wyle’s blend of inspiration and vulnerability prove potent.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of potent
Adjective
  • This offseason, the team didn't have to make too many outside additions as the roster is solid at most spots.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • For now, the economy remains in solid shape by several top measures.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of solid

Browse Nearby Words

robs
robust
robustious
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Cite this Entry

“Robust.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/robust. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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