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 The cornerstone of strong cardiovascular health is following a heart-healthy lifestyle with exercise of at least 30 minutes most days and a balanced, wholesome diet. Lori B Daniels, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 Lauren & Derek - The Fairytale Ending One of the more wholesome episodes in Catfish history is the love story of Lauren and Derek, who had been talking for a decade. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025 Her characters were sweet but cringey, wholesome but edgy, funny but devilishly smart. Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025 Nature’s Bakery believes simple, wholesome snacks are the best fuel for active, joyful lives. Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan, Outside Online, 27 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wholesome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholesome
Adjective
  • Both key components of last year’s team are out indefinitely with significant injuries, and L.A. has been unable to compensate even though healthy stars Gabriel Pec and Marco Reus repeatedly created scoring chances against St. Louis.
    Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Leaving your clippings on your lawn leads to healthy, green grass.
    BestReviews, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • The ‘90s was good to the magazine industry for the most part.
    Rachel Burchfield, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Although their relationship shifted over the years, Colby recalled his mom always having his best interest at heart during the early years of his childhood.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Crockpots are still made well, as are, in my experience anyway, the more modernized version: Instant Pots.
    Parker Hall, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025
  • The witch’s magic is still MIA, but her attitude is well and truly back.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Pumpkin Seeds Pumpkin seeds are rich in MUFAs, PUFAs, and healthful compounds like cholesterol-lowering phytosterols and carotenoids, which support your skin and eyes.19 These seeds are a notable source of oleic acid, a healthy fat known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
    Lauren O'Connor, MS, Health, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Otherwise the right to a clean and healthful environment is meaningless.
    Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • The challenge is now about commitment: Commitment to a robust health care system.
    Dr. Fatih Mehmet Gul, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
  • In parallel, there are concerns regarding a robust supply-chain as drivers are in short supply; this will be exerbated going forward due to the country’s low birth rate.
    Richard Bishop, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wholesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholesome. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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