strenuous

adjective

stren·​u·​ous ˈstren-yə-wəs 

1

a

: vigorously active : energetic

b

: fervent, zealous

his most strenuous supporters

2

: marked by or calling for energy or stamina : arduous

a strenuous hike

strenuosity

ˌstren-yə-ˈwä-sə-tē 

noun

strenuously

ˈstren-yə-wəs-lē 

adverb

strenuousness noun

Synonyms

• vigorous
• aggressive
• violent
• emphatic

Choose the Right Synonym for strenuous

vigorous, energetic, strenuous, lusty, nervous mean having or showing great vitality and force.

vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness.

as vigorous as a youth half his age

energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.

an energetic campaigner

strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging.

the strenuous life on an oil rig

lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.

a lusty appetite for life

nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.

full of nervous energy

Examples of strenuous in a Sentence

Avoid all strenuous exercise until the sprain heals.

Today has been a very strenuous day.

The proposal has faced strenuous opposition.

Recent Examples on the Web

People can see fall foliage along the San Francisco Peaks through hiking trails like the Kachina Trail and the strenuous Abineau-Bear Jaw Loop, both cited by Coconino National Forest officials among the best places to see fall colors. —Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 9 Oct. 2025

Okoro is the Bulls’ keynote stopper, which bears a more strenuous weight than this kind of low-pressure environment should guarantee. —Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025

Muscle memory kicks in, my body acclimates, and [the show’s routine] becomes less strenuous on the body. —Ayana Underwood, Outside, 3 Oct. 2025

The state park also has more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails that cater to every skill level, from nature strolls to strenuous summit climbs up the Adirondack High Peaks. —Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin strenuus

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for strenuous

• disingenuous
• ingenuous

Kids Definition

strenuous

adjective

stren·​u·​ous ˈstren-yə-wəs 

1

a

: very active : energetic

leads a strenuous life

b

: fervent, zealous

strenuous protest

2

: showing or requiring great energy

strenuous tasks

strenuously adverb