Definitions

wholesome

[hohl-suhm] / ˈhoʊl səm /

ADJECTIVE

healthy, decent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

healthful hygienic pure

WEAK

all there beneficial clean edifying ethical exemplary fit good hale health-giving helpful honorable in fine feather in the pink innocent invigorating moral nice normal nourishing nutritious nutritive respectable restorative right righteous safe salubrious salutary sane sanitary sound strengthening together virtuous well worthy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

contaminated dirty

WEAK

bad impure indecent unhealthy unwholesome

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There may still be time to rescue LA2028 from another anodyne, wholly wholesome Sam clone.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026

Their enduring appeal lies in simple melodies and wholesome, patriotic themes that deeply resonate with Chinese audiences.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

The Independent gave it the same score, calling Race Across the World "a wonderful source of escapism in uneasy times" and "the most wholesome show on TV".

From BBC • May 21, 2026

If the goal was to make Jackson’s proclivities look normal and wholesome, congratulations, “Michael” is a spectacular failure.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

It was hard sometimes not to wish those days were back because there seemed something so old-fashioned, so wholesome, so simple and unfettered about them.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Vocabulary lists containing wholesome

The Omnivore's Dilemma

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The War That Saved My Life

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Chew On This

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!