ABLE-BODIED Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

able-bodied

adjective

ˌā-bəl-ˈbä-dēd

Definition of able-bodied

as in healthy

enjoying health and vigor every able-bodied young man in the village had been sent off to fight in the war

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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 able-bodied The study also focused primarily on white, able-bodied participants, so results may not translate to other groups. — Allison Forsyth, Health, 22 May 2026 That includes work or job-training expectations for able-bodied adults receiving assistance, temporary workforce placement when needed, and better coordination between programs so help reaches those truly in need. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 The law created stricter working requirements for able-bodied individuals ages 18-64 who have SNAP benefits. — Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026 Gender-affirming procedures should be treated like any other elective medical procedure for able-bodied adults, funded by their own private insurance or paid out-of-pocket. — Teresa Liu, Oc Register, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for able-bodied

Recent Examples of Synonyms for able-bodied

Adjective

And while the new study was conducted only among cancer patients, Mak said more research could reveal whether similar findings may emerge among otherwise healthy people who may be interested in their longevity.

— Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026
Sophie, mom Annie and her great-aunt comprised The 3 Suckers — a play on the small side shoots that can stunt the growth of healthy leaves.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of healthy

Adjective

The most robust evidence in the field is a study published in JAMA Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery in 2024, which looked at airflow during mouth occlusion in more than 50 patients.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
But Hayden said the Shuckers Union will have a pretty robust sparkling wine menu — one that isn’t just prosecco or just champagne, but the fun sparkling wines found around the world that usually fall in the middle of those two wines’ price points.

— Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of robust

Adjective

Denim is a sturdy cotton textile that is woven in a twill pattern, creating a distinctive diagonal rib on the fabric’s surface.

— Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026
Carrying a large pump spray bottle and a small, sturdy brush, Caitlin Abrams stood before two starkly contrasting graves in a modest cemetery in western Vermont.

— Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of sturdy

Browse Nearby Words

able

able-bodied

able-bodied seaman

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“Able-bodied.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/able-bodied. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of able-bodied

adjective

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