Definition of healthynext
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Synonym Chooser

How is the word healthy distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of healthy are hale, robust, sound, well, and wholesome. While all these words mean "enjoying or indicative of good health," healthy implies full strength and vigor as well as freedom from signs of disease.

a healthy family

Where would hale be a reasonable alternative to healthy?

While in some cases nearly identical to healthy, hale applies particularly to robustness in old age.

still hale at the age of eighty

When is robust a more appropriate choice than healthy?

While the synonyms robust and healthy are close in meaning, robust implies the opposite of all that is delicate or sickly.

a lively, robust little boy

When might sound be a better fit than healthy?

Although the words sound and healthy have much in common, sound emphasizes the absence of disease, weakness, or malfunction.

a sound heart

When would well be a good substitute for healthy?

The words well and healthy can be used in similar contexts, but well implies merely freedom from disease or illness.

she has never been a well person

In what contexts can wholesome take the place of healthy?

The meanings of wholesome and healthy largely overlap; however, 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 healthy More consumers are prioritizing healthy living, culinary options and conscious spending. Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026 The formula is designed to hydrate and smooth strands while boosting softness and shine for a healthier-looking finish. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026 Now, three years later, Cerro is a healthy father of two kids who will be cheering him on this weekend at the Rush to Crush Cancer cycling event in Pittsburgh. Tory Wegerski, CBS News, 16 May 2026 Inside, a photo shows DeSantis working on his short game in front of the mansion, a putter in his hands and a cigar sticking out of his mouth — his way of making America (and Florida) healthy again. Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for healthy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for healthy
Adjective
  • Get well Dodger friend and may God bless you and your family.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
  • That's all well and good, and that's a huge part of the learning process.
    Bryant Reed, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Guests don’t even need to leave the Torre Virreyes building to dine at a few other top restaurants in the area, including the aforementioned Carmela y Sal, which has one of the city’s best tasting menus.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 May 2026
  • Shohei Ohtani also put together good at-bats.
    Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Trust develops through a substantial body of online content, including articles, podcasts, videos, and books.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
  • The unions, which represent locomotive engineers, machinists, signalmen and other train workers, have said more substantial raises were warranted to help workers keep up with inflation and rising living costs.
    Philip Marcelo, Fortune, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Here are three key themes from our discussion that every leader needs to understand to foster a thriving workplace culture.
    Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026
  • Instead, Hanalei town is rooted in Kauai's history and lifestyle as a former thriving agricultural hub.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 17 May 2026
Adjective
  • The project’s development trajectory has been notably robust.
    Callum McLennan, Variety, 19 May 2026
  • In Columbus Park, Cà Phê has grown from a food truck into a brick-and-mortar cafe, serving robust Vietnamese espresso alongside inventive seasonal drinks featuring flavors like matcha, Thai iced tea, and Sichuan peppercorn.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • One way to Chinamaxx is to watch a Korean dating show and develop a taste for healthful virtues.
    Sarah Wang, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
  • Roasted unsalted or lightly salted nuts are also considered healthful choices.
    Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 4 May 2026
Adjective
  • Steak Pies and Boba (Australia) Costco has a sizable and growing presence down under, and fans are drawn to the chain's unique Australian offerings unavailable elsewhere.
    Joseph Erbentraut, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2026
  • Palmer has been a shining success despite this season’s struggles, but frequent injuries have called into question the sizeable transfer fees paid for Lavia and Gittens.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Offal fell out of favor in America for several reasons, including its association with poverty and wartime rationing in the prosperous era that followed World War II, according to The Takeout.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026
  • Parting Thoughts The most prosperous will not simply be those who produce the most, but rather, those who can produce the right compounds, at the right quality, at the right scale and with the right cost profile.
    Thomas Andersen, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Healthy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/healthy. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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