1
as in activity
energetic movement of the body for the sake of physical fitness
often the television addict's greatest attempt at exertion was switching channels on the remote control
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in effort
the active use of energy in producing a result
the number of blueberries that we were finding was hardly worth the exertion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exertion
For a midlayer, our editors love the Outdoor Research Vigor Grid Fleece Quarter-Zip Pullover ($110) that features thermoregulating ActiveTemp™ fabric treatment great for keeping you at the right temp through high-exertion activities.
—
Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 7 Feb. 2026
The physical exertion and cold weather combined make snow shoveling a risky endeavor even for those who don’t have existing heart health issues.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 30 Jan. 2026
That’s because the physical exertion of shoveling increases heart rate and blood pressure, while at the same time the cold constricts blood vessels–a double whammy of stressors.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Sudden exertion, such as moving hundreds of pounds of snow after being sedentary for several months, can put a big strain on the heart.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exertion
Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 7 Feb. 2026
The physical exertion and cold weather combined make snow shoveling a risky endeavor even for those who don’t have existing heart health issues.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 30 Jan. 2026
That’s because the physical exertion of shoveling increases heart rate and blood pressure, while at the same time the cold constricts blood vessels–a double whammy of stressors.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Sudden exertion, such as moving hundreds of pounds of snow after being sedentary for several months, can put a big strain on the heart.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for exertion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exertion
Noun
-
Since the 2022 Games in Beijing, the Chinese government announced that around 313 million people had taken up ice and snow sports, or related leisure activities.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
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Some Christians take on a somber attitude and maintain a quiet atmosphere in their homes with little to no entertainment or extracurricular activities, while others may play music and bake hot cross buns, a traditional Good Friday sweet.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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According to the firm, the effort reflects sustained demand from naval and air warfighters for aircraft capable of holding targets at risk from extended distances, particularly across the vast air and maritime spaces of the Western Pacific.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Eco effort The Jareckis didn't retrofit sustainability onto an existing luxury product.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Nespresso machines, L'Occitane products, and capable air conditioning nod toward the current century, though televisions and phones are nowhere to be found.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Feb. 2026
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The greater the number, the more efficient the air conditioner; some of the best window air conditioning units have an EER of at least 12.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But that doesn’t mean those who fall short of the mark are doomed to a lifetime of work.—
Brian Baker CFA,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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Fleming’s work is a hyperspecific, manic, digressive observational comedy buried inside a cloud of performance-art strangeness.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The home’s garage has been converted into a recreational space with exercise chairs and a space for arts and crafts.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
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This, coupled with an increase in social media content overly focused on diets, exercise, and personal appearance, is likely why experts are seeing an increase in eating disorder cases and severity in all genders, particularly boys.—
Liz Regalia,
Parents,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exertion. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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