Synonyms of strenuous

strenuous

adjective

ˈstren-yə-wəs 

1

as in vigorous

marked by or uttered with forcefulness

parents who voiced strenuous objections to the new textbooks

Synonyms & Similar Words

• vigorous
• aggressive
• violent
• emphatic
• dynamic
• energetic
• forceful
• muscular
• insistent
• vehement
• assertive
• compelling
• clear
• marked
• striking
• pointed
• decided
• resounding
• full-blooded
• noticeable
• conspicuous
• categorical
• plain
• unequivocal
• unambiguous
• absolute
• categoric
• impelling
• arresting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• mild
• weak
• unemphatic
• nonassertive
• ambiguous
• guarded
• hesitant
• equivocal
• nonemphatic
• uncompelling
• wishy-washy
• understated
• halting

2

as in difficult

requiring considerable physical or mental effort

a strenuous workout on the obstacle course

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difficult
• challenging
• rigorous
• tough
• demanding
• hard
• formidable
• heavy
• complicated
• arduous
• effortful
• rough
• rugged
• grueling
• sweaty
• laborious
• exhausting
• severe
• uphill
• painful
• toilsome
• backbreaking
• herculean
• tall
• gruelling
• testing
• exacting
• murderous
• intricate
• complex
• stiff
• serious
• killer
• problematical
• hellacious
• problematic
• stressful
• annoying
• brutal
• pick-and-shovel
• moiling
• oppressive
• elusive
• tricky
• stubborn
• onerous
• involved
• grim
• Augean
• burdensome
• bruising
• troublesome
• abstract
• abstruse
• thorny
• insoluble
• labored
• strict
• tight
• recondite
• irksome
• hairy
• ticklish
• vexatious
• stringent
• knotty
• opaque
• trying
• bothersome
• taxing
• distressing
• cruel
• spiny
• grievous
• inhuman

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• simple
• light
• soft
• undemanding
• effortless
• cheap
• mindless
• facile
• elementary
• manageable
• clear
• uncomplicated
• doable
• achievable
• gentle
• smooth
• painless
• relaxed
• soothing
• comforting
• friendly
• accessible
• user-friendly
• idiotproof

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

Recent Examples of strenuous

The Blanco River Narrows is a swimming hole accessible only by a strenuous 14-mile round-trip hike through a riverbed. —Eva Frederick, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025

So in 2024, June found herself on a stationary bicycle at UCSD playing a strenuous virtual reality game. —Jon Hamilton, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025

Such a sudden, strenuous assault on Palestinian statehood — particularly with American blessings — will require more than diplomatic rhetoric to reverse. —Matt Bradley, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2025

People who are sensitive to smoke, such as those with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens should consider limiting their time outdoors, health officials say, particularly during strenuous activities. —Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2025