1
2

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective strenuous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of strenuous are energetic, lusty, nervous, and vigorous. While all these words mean "having or showing great vitality and force," strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging.

the strenuous life on an oil rig

When is energetic a more appropriate choice than strenuous?

The words energetic and strenuous are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.

an energetic campaigner

In what contexts can lusty take the place of strenuous?

Although the words lusty and strenuous have much in common, lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.

a lusty appetite for life

When could nervous be used to replace strenuous?

While in some cases nearly identical to strenuous, nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.

full of nervous energy

When might vigorous be a better fit than strenuous?

The meanings of vigorous and strenuous largely overlap; however, vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness.

as vigorous as a youth half his age

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of strenuous The state park also has more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails that cater to every skill level, from nature strolls to strenuous summit climbs up the Adirondack High Peaks. Sarah Buder, AFAR Media, 2 Oct. 2025 The Old Mill Trail is a heavily trafficked area of the park, popular with hikers looking for moderate distance and sweeping views without strenuous elevation gain - about 1,400 feet over eight miles, when combined with two of the park’s mixed-use trails. Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2025 Try to limit strenuous activities to the early morning or evening. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Sep. 2025 Numerous studies have found that strenuous recovery activities, stress levels as storms approach, and exposure to extreme heat during power outages can cause short—term and longer risks for people with cardiovascular disease. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strenuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strenuous
Adjective
  • Add stock and bring to a vigorous simmer over medium-high.
    Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The participants completed at least two daily exercise snacks (defined as moderate-vigorous to near-maximal physical activity for five minutes or less), three times a week or more, over a period of 4 to 12 weeks.
    Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Travel could be very difficult to impossible.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 Oct. 2025
  • This Is My Story While Israel and Hamas have accepted the two-phase agreement, many of the more difficult issues have been left unresolved.
    Richard Hall, Time, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The offensive line had five presnap penalties, and allowed four sacks and 11 tackles for loss to an aggressive Lobos defense.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Not only does the quarterback need to be accurate and aggressive, but the play caller needs to dial up ways to create advantageous one-on-one situations and the receivers have to win those chances.
    Derrik Klassen, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The mother of five admitted that being away from her family for long periods of time was challenging, but the sacrifice was necessary for Jordan’s athletic development.
    Nasha Smith, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The second, more challenging phase — aimed at dismantling Hamas and deciding Gaza’s future leadership — has yet to be negotiated.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Others, like Ghiath Dalla, a brigadier general whose forces were involved in violent repression of protests, is among several former officers plotting sabotage from Lebanon, according to ex-military commanders, who also shared text message exchanges with The Times.
    Danny Makki, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Continue reading … FED UP – Trump storms most violent US city with federal muscle as police group warns of soft-on-crime consequences.
    , FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Here’s how all four teams look heading into their Championship Series, along with some rigorous, confident analysis for each team.
    Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Whereas degree programs have to go through rigorous faculty and administrative oversight, which can take years, non-degree programs don’t require the same kind of oversight.
    Chris Quintana, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • An emphatic 8-4 win has softened the blow a bit — especially with Zach Benson and his four assists back in the lineup — and the Sabres are missing key pieces on defense.
    Sean Gentille, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The speaker removes the bag from the face of the man kneeling before him, who then proceeds to flash a Hollywood smile and give an emphatic thumbs-up.
    T. M. Brown, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The Falcons' offense has emerged as one of the toughest in the league, causing multiple turnovers a game.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025
  • How self-reflection operates matters because it will always be needed to make wiser choices about our toughest challenges.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strenuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strenuous. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on strenuous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!