vigorous

1 of 2

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

vigorousness

2 of 2

noun

vig·​or·​ous·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being vigorous : forcefulness

Synonyms of vigorous

Adjective

• 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

Adjective

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

Adjective

Clover is a vigorous plant that crowds out weeds, thereby reducing the need for weed control. —David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 6 June 2026

In the luteal phase, progesterone is considered catabolic and may impair muscle contractions during vigorous activity. —Allison Palmer june 4, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026

The guiding is excellent; Zimbabwe has a very high standard of guiding and vigorous training. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026

Unlike a standard wash cycle, Heavy Duty settings typically use longer wash times, more vigorous agitation, and faster spin speeds. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 2 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

Noun

Middle English vigorousnesse, from vigorous + -nesse -ness

First Known Use

Adjective

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