SALUTARY Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'salutary' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of salutary are healthful , salubrious , and wholesome . While all these words mean "favorable to the health of mind or body," salutary describes something corrective or beneficially effective, even though it may in itself be unpleasant. // a salutary warning that resulted in increased production

Q: When could 'healthful' be used to replace 'salutary'?

The synonyms healthful and salutary are sometimes interchangeable, but healthful implies a positive contribution to a healthy condition. // a healthful diet

Q: When might 'salubrious' be a better fit than 'salutary'?

While in some cases nearly identical to salutary , salubrious applies chiefly to the helpful effects of climate or air. // cool and salubrious weather

Q: In what contexts can 'wholesome' take the place of 'salutary'?

The words wholesome and salutary can be used in similar contexts, but wholesome applies to what benefits, builds up, or sustains physically, mentally, or spiritually. // wholesome foods // the movie is wholesome family entertainment

salutary

adjective

ˈsal-yə-ˌter-ē

Definition of salutary

as in beneficial

promoting or contributing to personal or social well-being the low interest rates should have a salutary effect on business

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in healthy

good for the health increasing scientific evidence that a glass of wine a day is quite salutary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the adjective salutary contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of salutary are healthful, salubrious, and wholesome. While all these words mean "favorable to the health of mind or body," salutary describes something corrective or beneficially effective, even though it may in itself be unpleasant.

a salutary warning that resulted in increased production

When could healthful be used to replace salutary?

The synonyms healthful and salutary are sometimes interchangeable, but healthful implies a positive contribution to a healthy condition.

a healthful diet

When might salubrious be a better fit than salutary?

While in some cases nearly identical to salutary, salubrious applies chiefly to the helpful effects of climate or air.

cool and salubrious weather

In what contexts can wholesome take the place of salutary?

The words wholesome and salutary can be used in similar contexts, but wholesome applies to what benefits, builds up, or sustains physically, mentally, or spiritually.

wholesome foods

the movie is wholesome family entertainment

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 salutary But whether permanency has a salutary effect on the program is an important question that will be answered in the next couple of years, Brett Theodos of the Urban Institute said. — Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2026 Trump’s announcement did have the salutary effect of placing the issue of financial services costs on the front burner, after its having languished for years. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 14 Jan. 2026 The outlines of the Iranian Revolution of 1979 are already seared into the American psyche, but this spellbinding book adds fascinating texture and provides a salutary warning for policymakers today. — Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025 If so, the decision will represent a salutary turn to judicial enforcement of limits on presidential power. — Noah Feldman, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for salutary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for salutary

Adjective

More research is needed to better understand the connection between creatine and cognition; but the supplement may be beneficial for brain health, particularly in older adults and for issues related to sleep deprivation.

— Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
But Helland said such undertakings, while potentially beneficial, were voluntary on the part of the cities.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of beneficial

Adjective

The pope isn’t known to be a smoker and has made efforts to have a healthy lifestyle, but there is a history of cancer in his immediate family.

— Max Saltman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026
Because your husband should totally be your mentor, that’s a very healthy power dynamic!

— Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of healthy

Adjective

Liu, who is not involved in the pope’s care, said that, of the different types of lung cancers, adenocarcinoma has the most favorable prognosis.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
Many Laredo residents cross the border to run errands, taking advantage of lower grocery prices and a favorable exchange rate on the Mexican side of the river.

— Justin Papp, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of favorable

Adjective

The quick start guide is helpful for getting the microwave ready to use, while a more extensive booklet provides the nitty-gritty details on settings and modes like the sophisticated sensor-reheating functions (more on that later).

— Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026
Subscription creep can sneak up on you, so having a tool that keeps them all in one place can be helpful.

— Ryley Amond, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of helpful

Adjective

Many of the botanicals used in the medicinal treatments are grown onsite.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
The resulting powder was applied to skin or mixed into drinks and consumed, as it was thought to have medicinal properties.

— Michele Metych Britannica Editors Sep. 29, Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of medicinal

Adjective

This is not a medical spa and therefore there is no nutrition concept, but healthful snacks like fruit grown on property and nuts are available in the changing spaces, hydrotherapy zone and the relaxation rooms.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
As more people choose to stay in their homes longer, homeowners are looking for ways to create spaces that support and enhance healthful living with longevity in mind.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of healthful

Adjective

Rich in sodium chloride, bromine and iodine, the salubrious streams that bubble up from the depths of the lake now feed the SPA & Thermal Garden (previously known as Aquaria) complex, with infinity pools overlooking the waterbody.

— Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
The Austrian Southern Railway Company managers’ masterstroke was to promote Opatija as a spa town no less salubrious—and no less glamorous—than Nice, the prime destination for convalescents in the age of tuberculosis.

— Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 8 May 2026

Definition of salubrious

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salubrious

salutary

salutation

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“Salutary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/salutary. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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