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 of vigorous

• energetic
• robust
• dynamic
• lively

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

The above endorsement of potentially beneficial effects associated with weekend exercise is good news for busy folks who can cram the minimal weekly recommendation of 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, or 150 minutes of moderate exercise into two consecutive days. —Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Oct. 2025

The movie, at its most vigorous and most menacing, is also illuminated with mystery and wonder. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2025

Key Takeaways While general guidelines suggest 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous cardio weekly, those aiming for weight loss may need up to 250 minutes or more. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2025

That prompted a vigorous bat toss from Hernandez, who had just one hit and nine strikeouts in his previous 14 at-bats this postseason and was dropped a spot in the Game 3 lineup. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 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