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

• aggressive
• assertive
• dynamic
• emphatic
• energetic
• forceful
• full-blooded
• muscular
• resounding
• vehement
• vigorous
• violent

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

This includes keeping the area clean and dry, changing dressings as instructed, and avoiding strenuous activities that could strain the healing site. —Casey Gallagher, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2024

For people who are older, engaging in strenuous activity or located in direct sunlight, the heat index will be higher. —Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2024

Less strenuous options include lounging by the pool, relaxing in the pool house, or whittling away a cool evening under a nearby pavilion with an outdoor fireplace. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2024

Meanwhile, hiking and biking trails galore offer quad-burning, all-day adventures and shorter (but still strenuous) jaunts. —Blane Bachelor, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin strenuus

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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