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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 After finding a homeless man in need of medical assistance, a miscommunication with a police officer leads to a series of strenuous situations. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 25 June 2025 Those headed outside are urged to wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing, and try to limit strenuous activities to the early morning or evening. Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 23 June 2025 For any outside activities, remember to stay hydrated, limit strenuous activities outside during the afternoon hours, wear light-weight and light-colored clothing. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2025 Residents are encouraged to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the heat. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for strenuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strenuous
Adjective
  • This vine, while beautiful, is a vigorous grower that spreads by self-seeding, layering, and runners.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • No better example of this can be found than in the absence of debate in the contemporary U.S. about the treatment of the Palestinians by the Israelis, whatever outcome such vigorous discussion might produce.
    James L. Gibson, The Conversation, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • James is playing the final year of his contract at $52.6 million, which is a very difficult number for teams to pay.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 2025
  • Any pass to Warren Zaire-Emery in midfield is difficult too, due to Kim pushing out of defence.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • The tree has aggressive roots that can upend lawn turf and crack pavement.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • But the company’s aggressive marketing triggered backlash.
    Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • All of these factors combine to make AI adoption incredibly challenging, expensive and time-consuming.
    Dave Friend, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • As such, piloting an FPV drone is a completely different, entirely more challenging kettle of fish than piloting a standard camera drone.
    Sam Kieldsen, Wired News, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • On June 25, Monroe officers used a drone to track down a violent offender who had fled into a wooded area, police said.
    Maia Nehme, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2025
  • Before long, his life is plagued by a series of mysterious, sinister incidents that threaten to upend his success and bring about a most violent demise.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Every checking account review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of banking products.
    Mia Taylor, CNBC, 27 June 2025
  • Hunting was off limits, as was trapping or poisoning, and the listing included rigorous habitat protections.
    Christine Peterson, Vox, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • But Keegan Bradley's dramatic win at the Travelers Championship earned him a rare and emphatic nod.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • Four years ago, when The Athletic asked this precise question of Chelsea fans on X, the answer was emphatic, with Tottenham Hotspur garnering 58.6 per cent of the vote.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • Even these young players already have major tournament experience — a huge strength given their tough group.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 28 June 2025
  • Stark disparities in job opportunities available overall compared to the 25 major contractors may indicate these companies are starting to make tough decisions following DOGE cuts, according to Cory Stahle, the report’s author and economist at the Hiring Lab.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strenuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strenuous. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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