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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 Girlfriend Collective This sports bra paired with a compressive, high-rise legging will keep you supported at a strenuous bootcamp class and beyond. Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Jan. 2025 Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden — overseer of ABC news, among other divisions, and a front-runner to replace soon-retiring Disney CEO Bob Iger — became a prime suspect due to her long friendship with, and strenuous campaign fundraising efforts for, Kamala Harris. Chris Lee, Vulture, 20 Jan. 2025 Reid and general manager Brett Veach believed that 2023 would be the most strenuous season of Mahomes’ prime. Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 Every winter, most North American hummingbirds embark on a strenuous journey south. Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for strenuous 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strenuous
Adjective
  • February 9, 1893: With pure, vigorous blood coursing through the veins and animating every fiber of the body, cold weather is not only endurance but pleasant and agreeable.
    Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • In every sense: There's the sensitivity, redness, and texture that comes with late nights and vigorous face-scrubbing, along with the general cold-weather malaise.
    Vogue Club, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Nevertheless, the offer could make OpenAI’s reorganization plans more difficult – and significantly more expensive.
    David Goldman, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Those in reindeer herding who lost their fathers early, those who found love, and those faced with the difficult choice to fight or forgive.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • An aggressive strain of avian flu is hurting supply and causing prices to rise — with no relief in sight.
    Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025
  • President Donald Trump is continuing his outreach to Senate Republicans -- critical to advancing his Cabinet nominees and aggressive agenda.
    Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But the alternative—growing real red blood cells outside the body—has proved even more challenging.
    Nicola Twilley, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Shakira has had a challenging time since splitting from her ex Gerard Piqué.
    Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Long before 17-year-old Solomon Henderson walked into his school cafeteria with a gun, authorities in Tennessee were alerted to his threatening and violent behavior.
    Aliyya Swaby, ProPublica, 8 Feb. 2025
  • To reach him in Crooks Springs, Sara enlists the assistance of a guide named Isaac Reed, depicted by a gritty and valiant Taylor Kitsch, also from Friday Night Lights, who leads their small band in the face of calamities climatic, financial, and violent.
    Michael M. Rosen, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Every credit card story is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit products.
    Ryley Amond, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025
  • In today's digital age, companies are entrusted with vast amounts of personal data, and breaches like this demonstrate the need for rigorous security measures.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Late in a herky-jerky first half, the backup guard’s emphatic drive and dunk helped cut into Penn State’s lead.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Later, as Billy has an emphatic conversation with Robinson and Sinatra OUT IN THE OPEN, Xavier sees them but can’t hear what’s going on.
    Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 4 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • On the other hand, Hill has had a tough time recently.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Strings — and the fact the Nampa show happens May 20, before Idaho temperatures boil — makes this music lineup tough to resist.
    Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 3 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near strenuous

Cite this Entry

“Strenuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strenuous. Accessed 15 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on strenuous

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