robust
adjective
ro·bust rō-ˈbəst 
ˈrō-(ˌ)bəst
1
a
: having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health
b
: having or showing vigor, strength, or firmness
a robust debate
a robust faith
c
: strongly formed or constructed : sturdy
a robust plastic
d
: capable of performing without failure under a wide range of conditions
robust software
2
: rough, rude
stories … laden with robust, down-home imagery 
Playboy
Playboy3
: requiring strength or vigor
robust work
4
: full-bodied
robust coffee
also : hearty
a robust dinner
5
: relating to, resembling, or being a specialized group of australopithecines characterized especially by heavy molars and small incisors adapted to a vegetarian diet compare gracile sense 3
Note: Robust australopithecines are included in the genus Australopithecus along with gracile forms or placed in the separate genus Paranthropus.
robustly adverb
robustness
rō-ˈbəs(t)-nəs
noun ˈrō-(ˌ)bəs(t)-
Synonyms
- able-bodied
- bouncing
- fit
- hale
- healthy
- hearty
- sound
- well
- well-conditioned
- whole
- wholesome
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
If Singapore, just seven miles to the north with its glittering skyline and robust economy, is Southeast Asia's Cinderella, Batam is her dark sister. Peter Gwin, National Geographic, October 2007 The greatest gains in mine mechanization came in a burst of innovation following World War II, when robust new machines were developed … Robert L. Marovelli, Scientific American, September 1982 Humfry was a man whom everyone noticed. His stature was above ordinary, his complexion sanguine, his conversation lively, and his constitution robust. Samuel Eliot Morison, The European Discovery of America, 1971 Why is almost every robust healthy boy with a robust healthy soul in him, at some time or other crazy to go to sea? Herman Melville, Moby Dick, 1851 robust young men and women He is in robust health. The sauce has a robust flavor. See More
Peter Gwin, National Geographic, October 2007 The greatest gains in mine mechanization came in a burst of innovation following World War II, when robust new machines were developed … Robert L. Marovelli, Scientific American, September 1982 Humfry was a man whom everyone noticed. His stature was above ordinary, his complexion sanguine, his conversation lively, and his constitution robust. Samuel Eliot Morison, The European Discovery of America, 1971 Why is almost every robust healthy boy with a robust healthy soul in him, at some time or other crazy to go to sea? Herman Melville, Moby Dick, 1851 robust young men and women He is in robust health. The sauce has a robust flavor. See More Recent Examples on the Web Consumer spending has remained relatively resilient, and the labor market has been particularly robust, with the unemployment rate hovering near a 50-year low. Eric Wallerstein, WSJ, 7 Sep. 2022 The produce sections in some local grocery stores are not as robust as those in affluent white suburbs or even certain areas in the city, Haas noted. La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 2 Sep. 2022 Today's labor market is robust, and that influx of housing seems unlikely to happen in this cycle — further prolonging the lack of inventory. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 31 Aug. 2022 Ratings for institutions can be much more robust, but may still inadequately account for degrees of complication taken by institutions that accept the most challenging medical and surgical patients. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 30 Aug. 2022 Academic programs in federal and state prisons, which had been robust, dwindled severely nationwide. Aaron Morrison, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022 Inventories are more well controlled, order books are deeper, and customer relationships are more robust. Steven Dudash, Forbes, 25 Aug. 2022 Programming surrounding the exhibit (which runs through April 9) will be robust, in the form of a film series programmed by Bernardo Rondeau, the museum’s senior director of film programs. Evan Nicole Brown, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Aug. 2022 But data available for school-age children indicate that the state’s coverage is robust. Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2022 See More
Eric Wallerstein, WSJ, 7 Sep. 2022 The produce sections in some local grocery stores are not as robust as those in affluent white suburbs or even certain areas in the city, Haas noted. La Risa R. Lynch, Journal Sentinel, 2 Sep. 2022 Today's labor market is robust, and that influx of housing seems unlikely to happen in this cycle — further prolonging the lack of inventory. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 31 Aug. 2022 Ratings for institutions can be much more robust, but may still inadequately account for degrees of complication taken by institutions that accept the most challenging medical and surgical patients. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 30 Aug. 2022 Academic programs in federal and state prisons, which had been robust, dwindled severely nationwide. Aaron Morrison, Anchorage Daily News, 30 Aug. 2022 Inventories are more well controlled, order books are deeper, and customer relationships are more robust. Steven Dudash, Forbes, 25 Aug. 2022 Programming surrounding the exhibit (which runs through April 9) will be robust, in the form of a film series programmed by Bernardo Rondeau, the museum’s senior director of film programs. Evan Nicole Brown, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Aug. 2022 But data available for school-age children indicate that the state’s coverage is robust. Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Latin robustus oaken, strong, from robor-, robur oak, strength
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Kids Definition
robust
adjective
ro·bust rō-ˈbəst
: strong and healthy
robust
adjective
1
as in healthy
enjoying health and vigor a robust and sturdy toddler Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- healthy
- sturdy
- well
- strong
- whole
- fit
- hale
- wholesome
- sound
- hearty
- thriving
- tough
- agile
- vigorous
- rugged
- hardy
- in shape
- bouncing
- well-conditioned
- active
- lively
- good
- in fine fettle
- prospering
- stalwart
- able-bodied
- iron
- hard
- lusty
- vital
- in the pink
- ambulatory
- spry
- sprightly
- flourishing
- uncrippled
- chipper
- nondisabled
- blooming
- flush
- sprightful
- right
- all right
- clean-cut
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- weak
- feeble
- unhealthy
- unfit
- unsound
- sick
- ill
- weakly
- diseased
- weakened
- fragile
- challenged
- sickly
- delicate
- decrepit
- enfeebled
- unwell
- disabled
- infirm
- ailing
- lame
- halt
- crippled
- frail
- debilitated
- incapacitated
- sickened
- poorly
- troubled
- gaunt
- bad
- worn-out
- differently abled
- undernourished
- run-down
- haggard
- malnourished
- emaciated
- afflicted
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
- energetic
- dynamic
- vigorous
- powerful
- lively
- strong
- healthy
- sturdy
- vital
- capable
- tough
- peppy
- lusty
- spirited
- mighty
- fit
- hale
- athletic
- gingery
- rugged
- muscular
- punchy
- vivacious
- brisk
- hardy
- red-blooded
- animated
- sprightly
- stout
- beefy
- flush
- vitalized
- kinetic
- invigorated
- virile
- enlivened
- refreshed
- energized
- fortified
- sound
- competent
- dashing
- revitalized
- rejuvenated
- burly
- puissant
- firm
- stalwart
- strapping
- brawny
- robustious
- hearty
- husky
- mettlesome
- able-bodied
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- weak
- feeble
- sluggish
- dull
- delicate
- faint
- lethargic
- frail
- listless
- weakened
- torpid
- soft
- infirm
- impotent
- powerless
- wan
- tired
- effete
- lazy
- languid
- lackadaisical
- indolent
- wimpy
- prostrate
- enervated
- unhealthy
- invertebrate
- spineless
- unsound
- ill
- nerveless
- disabled
- sapped
- decrepit
- unwell
- wasted
- debilitated
- prostrated
- broken-down
- worn-out
3
as in rich
having an abundance of some characteristic quality (as flavor) beef and other red meats should be accompanied by robust wines Synonyms & Similar Words
- rich
- strong
- potent
- concentrated
- full-bodied
- muscular
- big
- full
- heady
- plush
- lusty
- heavy
- fortified
- undiluted
- enriched
- unmixed
- high-octane
- straight
- high-test
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- weak
- mild
- thin
- light
- delicate
- weakened
- thinned
- diluted
- dilute
- watery
- watered-down
4
as in strong
not showing weakness or uncertainty a robust slap on the back welcoming me to the company Synonyms & Similar Words
- strong
- sturdy
- solid
- vigorous
- firm
- powerful
- stout
- forceful
- tough
- iron
- hearty
- lusty
- mighty
- hard
- lively
- energetic
- brisk
- ironclad
- confident
- spirited
- unyielding
- secure
- vivacious
- vital
- sprightly
- perky
- animated
- jazzy
- frisky
- springy
- zippy
- peppy
- jaunty
- assured
- certain
- sanguine
- sure
- sprightful
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- weak
- feeble
- uncertain
- fragile
- frail
- limp
- listless
- diffident
- spiritless
- insecure
- wimpy
- weakened
- frail
- spineless
- characterless
- effete
- wishy-washy
- weak-kneed
- self-doubting
Synonym Chooser
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
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
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
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
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
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