ATHLETIC Synonyms: 107 Similar and Opposite Words

athletic

adjective

Definition of athletic

as in muscular

having great physical strength, skill, or ability She had always been athletic, playing multiple sports even as a child.

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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 athletic Seeking to drum up athletic revenue, Connecticut lawmakers authorized the University of Connecticut to issue vouchers for state tax credits equal to half the amount of donations, sponsorships and licensing endorsements. — David A. Lieb, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026 Then, in late May 1986, Kontras, whose tall, athletic build discloses a lifelong dedication to good health, noticed a swelling on the left side of his back that was numb to the touch. — Jeff Murray, Outdoor Life, 20 Aug. 2026 The major repairs have now been completed, Norrell said Wednesday, although some damage to outdoor athletic facilities must still be addressed. — Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 19 Aug. 2026 Lots of teams will forfeit games because of an ineligible player (barring athletic directors being skeptical of every transfer). — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for athletic

Recent Examples of Synonyms for athletic

Adjective

Roberts said Wednesday that the results suggested the injury was more muscular, rather than nerve related.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Across domains such as cognition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscular strength, that window can end well before a person becomes unhealthy or unable to work.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of muscular

Adjective

The healthiest couples don’t choose between caring for themselves and caring for each other.

— Joshua Coleman, Washington Post, 20 Aug. 2026
Sardines can be part of a healthy diet, but eating them regularly isn’t likely to dramatically change the appearance or health of someone’s skin on its own.

— Olivia LaBorde, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of healthy

Adjective

The duties also apply to kraftliner, which is a strong paperboard, primarily used in the outer layer of cardboard boxes.

— Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Love the Georgia peach down, but respecting the fidelity of partnership has never been one of her strong points.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of strong

Adjective

Each battery can generate one megawatt electric (1 MWe), or 1 MW of electrical power, and fit inside a standard 20-foot shipping container.

— Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 25 Aug. 2026
Among the Batman’s rogues whom the BTAS crew adored, Bane didn’t quite fit in, even beside relatively recent additions to the comics.

— Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of fit

Adjective

The standard Dynamic Handling Package is the most impressive bit of tech and vital for agile cornering in the tall, heavy SUV.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
The agile climbers often spend their time hidden in trees or on rocky ledges, both of which can be found at the zoo.

— Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of agile

Adjective

For someone with a flexible foot or a narrow forefoot where the toes tend to crowd each other, separating the big toe from the second toe can reduce rubbing and irritation.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
Meanwhile, flexible polymers and skin-care-grade ingredients (like panthenol and glycerin) work together to hold styles, while still keeping hair hydrated and glossy.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of flexible

Adjective

Emery knows that his side are robust when battling adversity yet need to find a way to rectify blind spots in their game, such as the tendency to drift through certain matches and against specific tactical challenges.

— Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
If growth stays robust and financial conditions remain loose, demand could stay strong enough to keep inflation elevated and force the Federal Reserve to raise rates more than investors currently expect.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of robust

Browse Nearby Words

athirst

athletic

athletics

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“Athletic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/athletic. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of athletic

adjective

Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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