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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 Dollar Menu is a product of years of strenuous grinding. Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025 Sensitive groups, especially children, are encouraged to stay indoors, avoid strenuous outdoor activities and use air filtration when possible until conditions improve. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025 Drink sports drinks during and after strenuous workouts. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 24 Apr. 2025 The lighthouse offers views of Bodie Island, the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound, but climbing its 200 steps is strenuous, equal to the height of a 10-story building, park officials say. Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 19 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strenuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strenuous
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Two of Elissa’s tumors were obliterated that day, but the third was too difficult to reach without repositioning Elissa’s body in a way that would have taken too much time under anesthesia.
    Kristen Jordan Shamus, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • Luca Solca sector head for global luxury goods at Bernstein Clouding the picture further, many other premium Swiss watchmakers including Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, are privately owned, making their performance difficult to decipher.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Even so, the aggressive play in this post-season has stood out.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 11 May 2025
  • However, thanks to aggressive conservation efforts, including predator control programs, habitat restoration, and breeding initiatives, several kiwi species have seen rebounds.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • Despite being born into a socioeconomically challenging environment, Muhammad realized early that empowerment could come from knowledge.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Saving for retirement has become more challenging for many reasons.
    Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • For that reason, Torres-Chirinos is also charged with two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime and one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful alien.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 16 May 2025
  • Combs apologized for his violent behavior soon after the video's release.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Members have included figures such as Benjamin Franklin, Charles Darwin and Martin Luther King Jr. New members are chosen through a rigorous nomination and election process, according to the academy.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2025
  • Digital forensics demands rigorous methodology to ensure evidence integrity and reliable findings.
    Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • Since his emphatic win at Oak Hill two years ago, Brooks Koepka has failed to post a top-10 at a major championship.
    Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • However, Lincoln-Sudbury had an answer, and an emphatic one at that as goaltender Rex Garozzo jogged up the field with possession.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Last year’s drought conditions that extended into late fall combined with very windy winter conditions and frozen soils were tough for some evergreens.
    Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025
  • Federal judges have so far been skeptical of the Trump administration’s past efforts to use extraordinary powers to make deportations easier, and that could make suspending habeas corpus even tougher.
    Will Weissert, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strenuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strenuous. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

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