hale 1 of 2

adjective

ˈhāl How to pronounce hale (audio)
Definition of halenext
as in healthy
enjoying health and vigor still hale and strong at 80, often outdoing his younger golfing buddies

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hale

2 of 2

verb

as in to haul
to cause to follow by applying steady force on the fishermen haled the huge net onto the deck of the ship

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word hale distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of hale are healthy, robust, sound, well, and wholesome. While all these words mean "enjoying or indicative of good health," hale applies particularly to robustness in old age.

still hale at the age of eighty

When can healthy be used instead of hale?

Although the words healthy and hale have much in common, 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 hale?

The words robust and hale can be used in similar contexts, but robust implies the opposite of all that is delicate or sickly.

a lively, robust little boy

When is sound a more appropriate choice than hale?

While the synonyms sound and hale are close in meaning, sound emphasizes the absence of disease, weakness, or malfunction.

a sound heart

When is it sensible to use well instead of hale?

While in some cases nearly identical to hale, well implies merely freedom from disease or illness.

she has never been a well person

When could wholesome be used to replace hale?

In some situations, the words wholesome and hale are roughly equivalent. However, wholesome implies appearance and behavior indicating soundness and balance.

a face with a wholesome glow

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 hale
Adjective
The Chamber of Commerce dream demographic for new Angelenos was hale, white, middle- and yeoman-class Americans. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2022 At a hale 77, Diana Beresford-Kroeger is a medical biochemist, botanist, organic chemist, poet, author and developer of artificial blood. —New York Times, 24 Feb. 2022
Verb
Haley, among others, haled the fact that budget cutting efforts took some $285 million, or roughly 5 percent, out of the U.N.’s budget last December. —George Russell, Fox News, 16 May 2018 China Money Network Crypto crackdown China, home to the world’s biggest community of Bitcoin miners, is cracking down on cryptocurrency activity, haling trade of virtual currencies on domestic exchanges and banning initial currency offerings. —Clay Chandler, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2018 See All Example Sentences for hale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hale
  1. healthy
  2. haul
  3. well
  4. pull
  5. robust
  6. drag
  7. tow
Adjective
  • LaMelo Ball, on a max contract through the 2028-29 season, is undoubtedly one of the game’s most creative players but also hasn’t been able to stay healthy.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Viktor Arvidsson’s spike has been more pronounced since mid-March, and reflects a player who finally appears healthy.
    — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of healthy
Verb
  • Everything appeared to be playing into United’s hands as the match wore on, but with 20 minutes of normal time remaining, Corentin Tolisso’s header hauled Lyon back into the contest.
    — George Ramsay, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
  • The top 2 feet of dirt at the Michigan Avenue site was scraped off and hauled away because of contamination from lead paint peelings from the houses that once stood there.
    — Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of haul
Adjective
  • Crockpots are still made well, as are, in my experience anyway, the more modernized version: Instant Pots.
    — Parker Hall, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025
  • The witch’s magic is still MIA, but her attitude is well and truly back.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2024
Definition of well
Verb
  • Brands began to pull together resources to support refugees.
    — Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2023
  • The 13-minute performance will likely call for a healthy dose of vibrant, colored lighting to pull it all together.
    — Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 10 Feb. 2023
Definition of pull
Adjective
  • This compact security camera offers exceptional value and robust features in a tiny design.
    — Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • However, clamp mounts have a robust design and are suitable for road and mountain riding.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of robust
Verb
  • Paleontologists used to wonder if some marine reptiles did the same, awkwardly dragging themselves onto beaches to lay eggs rather than birthing their young at sea like whales do.
    — Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The longer the trade war drags on, the more likely Washington and Beijing will find other ways to retaliate beyond economics.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of drag
Verb
  • Keep a distance from high profile vehicles such as trucks, buses and vehicles towing trailers.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2025
  • An earlier version of the ordinance included a requirement that towing companies clearly post fees.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of tow

Browse Nearby Words

halcyon
hale
haled
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“Hale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hale. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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