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

Relevance

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 Their vibrant purple color, wholesome ingredients and Instagram-worthy presentation have helped turn them into one of the most recognizable health foods. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2026 But from Ossoff, who cuts a more wholesome figure and doesn’t imitate the president, the attacks are more surprising—and therefore perhaps more effective. — Elaine Godfrey, The Atlantic, 21 Aug. 2026 Many people would be deliciously tired after such wholesome exertion and not want to spend their evenings raking over the past with a chatty English journalist. — Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026 Meanwhile, Chick-fil-A has wholesome kids straight out of a church service choir serving up chicken nuggets with love. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wholesome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholesome

Adjective

Understanding the benefits muscle cells have as endocrine workhorses could help keep us all healthier in the long run.

— Mike McRae September 02, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Higher benchmark yields can lift financing costs even for healthy companies, potentially making some factories, data centers, acquisitions and other investments less economically viable.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of healthy

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

And during a second-quarter earnings call with analysts Thursday, Ulta Beauty CEO Kecia Steelman reported that K-beauty momentum continued, with robust double-digit growth in category sales compared to the same period last year.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Its celebrity pedigree is astonishing (spokespersons and fans include Jane Fonda, Martha Stewart, Andie MacDowell, Heidi Klum, etc), its offerings are robust, and many, if not most of its products, are five-star successes.

— Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of robust

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wholesaling

wholesome

wholesomeness

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“Wholesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholesome. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of wholesome

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