hale 1 of 2

hale

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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

Examples 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
Even though no one is being haled into court, parents still need to behave civilly. Paul Sullivan, New York Times, 8 May 2020 Then an employer who attempts union-busting could be haled into court and face an injunction against demoting or firing union organizers, followed by a trial and possibly heavy damages. Michael Hiltzik, latimes.com, 28 June 2018 See all Example Sentences for hale 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hale
Adjective
  • Studies have shown the positive effect that strength training can have on healthy bone development in kids, leading to a lower likelihood of fractures.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024
  • Supergirl started as a CBS series with a healthy budget and a sunshiney Devil Wears Prada–esque story about Kara Danvers (Melissa Benoist), Superman’s cousin, paying her dues as a journalist and fledgling superhero.
    Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The weapons were placed in a moving van and hauled away.
    Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 20 Nov. 2024
  • The fleet’s name comes from the silver coins the ships were hauling, called plata.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • The witch’s magic is still MIA, but her attitude is well and truly back.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 19 Sep. 2024
  • In an interview with BBC Radio 4, Wilson’s cousin and bandmate Love, 83, assured fans that all is well, and that the latest legal decisions have not affected their bond.
    Rachel DeSantis, Peoplemag, 22 May 2024
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
Adjective
  • Dropbox Business is a robust cloud storage and file-sharing app with enough range and flexibility to satisfy most small to midsize businesses (SMBs).
    Robert Anderson, PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Through eight games, Barkley has run for 925 yards (on a robust 5.9 yards per carry) with six touchdowns.
    Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The longer the war in Ukraine drags on, the more the cost of deterring China goes up.
    Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 8 Nov. 2024
  • The ability to drag fringe ideas and theories into mainstream political discourse has long been a hallmark of X, even back when it was known as Twitter.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • For the last two decades, performance artist Sheryl Oring has towed her typewriter to sidewalks and streets — inviting passersby to write letters to the next president.
    Isaac Avilucea, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
  • His loaded firearm was confiscated by police and his pickup was towed, but not before officers discovered what was inside.
    Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Oct. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Hale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hale. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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