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

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

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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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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 Meanwhile, trading activity has been robust in the first quarter, which should boost the unit’s revenue. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025 The robust economy, quality of life and philanthropic growth achieved by San Diego in a mere 50 years is a source of great pride. —Mary Wolshok, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025 Crawford’s margin of victory — in this swing state which voted for Donald Trump over Kamala Harris in 2024 by less than one percentage point — was a robust ten percentage points. —The Editors, National Review, 2 Apr. 2025 But Nintendo’s robust library of beloved characters and games could give it an edge against these difficulties. —Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 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
  • Justice for healthy relationships being the most romantic!
    — Esther Kang, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Trying to enjoy the day-to-day, living in the moment yet keeping the future in mind can help patients continue to move forward and look ahead in a healthy way.
    — Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of healthy
Adjective
  • Chamberlin oversaw the spiritual and energetic cleansing of each fragrance during a final ceremonial step.
    — Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Higher temperatures generally mean more energetic particles and a higher rate of collisions, leading to brighter auroras.
    — Victoria Corless, Space.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of energetic
Adjective
  • As winds churn up cold water off the Southern California coast, sediment rich in nutrients is swirled up from the ocean floor and becomes feed for smaller creatures in the water who are eaten by larger ones like pelicans, whales and all kinds of fish.
    — Stephanie Elam, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Louise insisted the show didn’t make the cast rich.
    — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of rich
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
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
  • Persons in campgrounds should consider seeking sturdy shelter until this storm passes.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of sturdy
Adjective
  • With its expansion into Morocco and a dynamic competition format, the league is elevating the sport’s profile globally.
    — Sindiswa Mabunda, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Big changes are afoot in Panama’s film industry as a young, dynamic (and mostly female) team backed by its newish President José Raúl Mulino is spearheading new initiatives.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of dynamic
Adjective
  • The Handmaid’s Tale is still more than capable of nightmarish images and emotionally potent sequences.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025
  • To the contrary: Adding J.T. Miller was supposed to make the power play more potent.
    — Arthur Staple, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of potent
Adjective
  • An excellent 94% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a solid enough 74% audience score.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Some solid bench play, in contrast with only two Nuggets reserves scoring.
    — Anthony Slater, New York Times, 5 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 16 Apr. 2025.

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