1
as in activity
energetic movement of the body for the sake of physical fitness
often the television addict's greatest attempt at exertion was switching channels on the remote control
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in effort
the active use of energy in producing a result
the number of blueberries that we were finding was hardly worth the exertion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exertion
Some of Goldsworthy’s art has also required strenuous exertions.
—
Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
For a midlayer, our editors love the Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Fleece Quarter-Zip Pullover ($110) that features thermoregulating ActiveTemp™ fabric treatment great for keeping you at the right temp through high-exertion activities.
—Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 7 Feb. 2026
The physical exertion and cold weather combined make snow shoveling a risky endeavor even for those who don’t have existing heart health issues.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 30 Jan. 2026
That’s because the physical exertion of shoveling increases heart rate and blood pressure, while at the same time the cold constricts blood vessels–a double whammy of stressors.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exertion
Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
For a midlayer, our editors love the Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Fleece Quarter-Zip Pullover ($110) that features thermoregulating ActiveTemp™ fabric treatment great for keeping you at the right temp through high-exertion activities.
—Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 7 Feb. 2026
The physical exertion and cold weather combined make snow shoveling a risky endeavor even for those who don’t have existing heart health issues.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 30 Jan. 2026
That’s because the physical exertion of shoveling increases heart rate and blood pressure, while at the same time the cold constricts blood vessels–a double whammy of stressors.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exertion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exertion
Noun
-
And unusual activity in Gary's backyard.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
22 Mar. 2026
-
Schrodinger basin, a large impact crater near the moon’s south pole, shows evidence of geologically recent volcanic activity.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The initiative reflects broader efforts by city authorities and technology companies to explore how AI can improve customer service, accessibility, and operational efficiency in transportation hubs.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Mar. 2026
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The effort would assess state departments and gather feedback from public employees to identify inefficiencies and reduce unnecessary spending.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
The Washington Examiner,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Since electric bills are higher in the summer when people are using air conditioning, Tolentino said ComEd offers efficiency options where the price of electricity varies by the time of day.—
Steve Sadin,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Mar. 2026
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This bright and airy two-bedroom in Monopoli, surrounded by the Art Nouveau villas that characterize the region, is equipped with modern features and essentials (namely, air conditioning) while still paying homage to Puglia’s traditional architecture.—
Madeline Weinfield,
Architectural Digest,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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These questions linger as Ion goes about his day, looking for work, begging for change, and scarfing down a meal—moments that flash by in quick, propulsive blips.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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These achievements are linked to the longstanding work between the county, local providers and community partners, officials say.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The orders follow weeks of speculation about whether the 82nd Airborne Division would join the war, after its headquarters unit abruptly pulled out of a training exercise this month.—
Dan Lamothe,
Washington Post,
25 Mar. 2026
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The exercise included multi-wave saturation attacks on enemy vessels attempting to evade detection by using nearby islands and reefs as cover.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exertion. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.
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