strenuous

adjective

stren·​u·​ous ˈstren-yə-wəs 

1

a

: vigorously active : energetic

Avoid strenuous exercise until the sprain heals.

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 of strenuous

• 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 with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children and teens should avoid strenuous activities and keep their activities outdoors brief. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 20 July 2026

Trying to keep strenuous activity to a minimum, feeding was simpler Thursday. — Finnegan Belleau, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026

Local officials and health experts urged people in areas grappling with poor quality to stay inside as much as possible and avoid strenuous activity. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 17 July 2026

Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026

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