WHOLESOME Synonyms: 124 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

wholesome

adjective

ˈhōl-səm

Definition of wholesome

as in healthy

enjoying health and vigor a wholesome young woman in the prime of her life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in good

beneficial to the health of body or mind trying to eat a more wholesome diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 two-time Oscar winner and entrepreneur Schneider are expecting their third child, Swank announced in a wholesome family video shared Wednesday to Instagram. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 As other companies dodge the Grand Theft Auto juggernaut by avoiding the November release window, Nintendo's wholesome throwback is poised to stand out against the glitzy violence of Grand Theft Auto. — James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026 Even so, Ursula is a more complicated proposition than that wholesome image suggests. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026 Romantic and wholesome, this set is made from a linen blend to help reduce wrinkling. — Lauren Finney Harden, InStyle, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wholesome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholesome

Adjective

Getting Williams back healthy had been central to Oklahoma City’s goal of returning to the NBA Finals.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
Both of these elements challenge different facets of balance, strength, and mobility, all of which are important for healthy aging and everyday activities.

— Jakob Roze, HEALTH, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of healthy

Adjective

While the bathrooms in most accommodations feature walk-in showers, a few of the upstairs rooms have bathtubs, making those rooms a good choice for families.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
Thunder star Jalen Williams, the team’s second-leading scorer and best all-around defender during its title run two seasons ago, fractured a fibula and dislocated his left ankle in a gruesome injury Sunday.

— Andrew Greif, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of good

Adjective

This is not a medical spa and therefore there is no nutrition concept, but healthful snacks like fruit grown on property and nuts are available in the changing spaces, hydrotherapy zone and the relaxation rooms.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
As more people choose to stay in their homes longer, homeowners are looking for ways to create spaces that support and enhance healthful living with longevity in mind.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of healthful

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

Browse Nearby Words

wholesaling

wholesome

wholesomeness

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“Wholesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholesome. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of wholesome

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