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.

At the time, Alan told the Associated Press that he switched to country music because it better fit their wholesome image.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

The presence of two people at the opposite ends of human lifespan showed the Masters' annual Par 3 Contest is not just providing wholesome, family-friendly entertainment.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

“Project Hail Mary” is wholesome science fiction that satisfies like a jumbo serving of apple pie and milk.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

I saw this as a very clean, wholesome, funny show, with innocent, though sometimes worrisome childhood struggles that many people could relate to, if only aspirationally for some.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

He did have many of the qualities of the Star Wars hero, a kind of wholesome purity that seemed too good to be true but was so natural as to make him appear almost delicate.

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

Vocabulary lists containing wholesome

The Omnivore's Dilemma

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

The War That Saved My Life

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

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!