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
• decided
• pointed
• resounding
• full-blooded
• noticeable
• conspicuous
• categorical
• plain
• unequivocal
• unambiguous
• absolute
• 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
• laborious
• sweaty
• severe
• exhausting
• uphill
• toilsome
• painful
• backbreaking
• herculean
• tall
• testing
• exacting
• murderous
• intricate
• complex
• stiff
• serious
• killer
• hellacious
• problematic
• stressful
• annoying
• pick-and-shovel
• brutal
• moiling
• oppressive
• elusive
• involved
• tricky
• stubborn
• onerous
• grim
• Augean
• burdensome
• bruising
• troublesome
• abstract
• abstruse
• thorny
• insoluble
• labored
• strict
• recondite
• tight
• irksome
• hairy
• ticklish
• vexatious
• stringent
• knotty
• trying
• opaque
• 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

Cross multiple creeks, take in wildflowers, and climb to an outcrop with vistas of Cathedral Spires and Black Elk Peak on this moderately strenuous trek. — Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 5 Aug. 2026

The light mimics the message of the song, that true love can be strenuous, challenging and difficult. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026

Check your local air-quality index, limit strenuous outdoor activity when pollution levels are high and avoid exercising near heavy traffic when possible. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 31 July 2026

Developed in partnership with Hyperice, which makes a range of muscle relief gear, it's aimed at athletes looking for effective recovery after strenuous activity. — New Atlas, 31 July 2026