Thesaurus results for WHOLESOME

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 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 Thousands of military personnel came out for what was already a wholesome day in Oxnard. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2026 At San Diego Comic-Con, during the forthcoming film’s panel on July 25, Moranis, 73, shed some light on his wholesome reunion with Brooks, 100, after so many years away. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wholesome

Recent Examples of Synonyms for wholesome

Adjective

Asians generally have longer life expectancies than those outside the region—but longer lives aren’t the same as healthier ones.

— Angelica Ang, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Her looks often incorporated classic country motifs like cowboy hats or bell-bottom jeans, though usually made Dolly-appropriate with a healthy helping of sparkles and vibrant hues.

— Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of healthy

Adjective

Members also flagged strong anticipation from North American press and said a Netflix awards team is preparing a campaign for the film that extends to a best picture push.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
These seven hotels and experiences are for the active voyager who is never too far from their golf clubs, knows where all the best tennis courts are and is always game for a new sport.

— Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 24 Aug. 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

In recognition of their robust potential and need for more support, Sanfic Industria, the industry section of the Santiago Film Festival (Sanfic), launched the Queer Incubator in 2025.

— Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
However, North Carolina’s community college system, low corporate tax rate, robust logistics infrastructure, and site location ultimately tipped the scales in Davie County’s favor.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of robust

Browse Nearby Words

wholesaling

wholesome

wholesomeness

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Wholesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wholesome. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of wholesome

adjective

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