vigorous

adjective

vig·​or·​ous ˈvi-g(ə-)rəs 

1

: done with vigor : carried out forcefully and energetically

vigorous exercises

2

: possessing vigor : full of physical or mental strength or active force : strong

a vigorous youth

a vigorous plant

vigorousness noun

Synonyms

• dynamic
• energetic
• flush
• gingery
• lusty
• peppy
• red-blooded
• robust
• vital

Choose the Right Synonym for vigorous

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 vigorous in a Sentence

She remained vigorous into her nineties.

His speech was met with vigorous applause.

She gave a vigorous defense of her beliefs.

Recent Examples on the Web

Meanwhile, Carroll Gardens has been swept up in the vigorous market for Brooklyn townhouses in general — contract signings were up 11 percent last year, according to Serhant. —Kim Velsey, Curbed, 8 May 2025

Despite vigorous opposition from Congressional Democrats and conservation groups, the House Natural Resource Committee early this morning approved a budget bill that includes a provision to sell thousands of acres of federal land in Nevada and Utah. —Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 7 May 2025

The paddling intensity will be vigorous, so participants should be experienced, wear clothing appropriate for weather conditions and bring water. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 May 2025

The founder of the order, Ignatius of Loyola, stressed a humble but vigorous effort to understand God’s will for each individual, as part of this process. —Virginia Raguin, The Conversation, 6 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English vigorous, vigrous, from Anglo-French, from vigour

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for vigorous

• rigorous

Kids Definition

vigorous

adjective

vig·​or·​ous ˈvig-(ə-)rəs 

1

: having vigor : robust

vigorous youth

a vigorous plant

2

: done with force and energy

a vigorous protest

vigorously adverb

vigorousness noun