STRENUOUS Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of strenuous are energetic , lusty , nervous , and vigorous . While all these words mean "having or showing great vitality and force," strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging. // the strenuous life on an oil rig

Q: When is 'energetic' a more appropriate choice than 'strenuous'?

The words energetic and strenuous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity. // an energetic campaigner

Q: In what contexts can 'lusty' take the place of 'strenuous'?

Although the words lusty and strenuous have much in common, lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment. // a lusty appetite for life

Q: When could 'nervous' be used to replace 'strenuous'?

While in some cases nearly identical to strenuous , nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor. // full of nervous energy

Q: When might 'vigorous' be a better fit than 'strenuous'?

The meanings of vigorous and strenuous largely overlap; however, vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness. // as vigorous as a youth half his age

strenuous

adjective

ˈstren-yə-wəs

Definition of strenuous next

as in vigorous

marked by or uttered with forcefulness parents who voiced strenuous objections to the new textbooks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort a strenuous workout on the obstacle course

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective strenuous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of strenuous are energetic, lusty, nervous, and vigorous. While all these words mean "having or showing great vitality and force," strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging.

the strenuous life on an oil rig

When is energetic a more appropriate choice than strenuous?

The words energetic and strenuous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.

an energetic campaigner

In what contexts can lusty take the place of strenuous?

Although the words lusty and strenuous have much in common, lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.

a lusty appetite for life

When could nervous be used to replace strenuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to strenuous, nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.

full of nervous energy

When might vigorous be a better fit than strenuous?

The meanings of vigorous and strenuous largely overlap; however, vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness.

as vigorous as a youth half his age

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 strenuous Girlfriend Collective This sports bra paired with a compressive, high-rise legging will keep you supported at a strenuous bootcamp class and beyond. —

Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025 Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden — overseer of ABC news, among other divisions, and a front-runner to replace soon-retiring Disney CEO Bob Iger — became a prime suspect due to her long friendship with, and strenuous campaign fundraising efforts for, Kamala Harris. —

Chris Lee, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2025 Reid and general manager Brett Veach believed that 2023 would be the most strenuous season of Mahomes’ prime. —

Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 Every winter, most North American hummingbirds embark on a strenuous journey south. —

Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for strenuous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for strenuous

Adjective

While Montessori is known for its vigorous teachings of math, science and other core subjects, the curriculum moves with the child and teachers can adapt to different learning styles.

— Gqlshare, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025
For some, this process is a welcome departure from the vigorous scrubbing of years past.

— Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 12 Feb. 2025