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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 His appearance at the independent show was non-physical, with no indication of a return to strenuous in-ring action at that specific event. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025 Sparing her father the strenuous work, the slight girl carried two heavy buckets full of water all the way home, the knuckles of her fingers turned white from the heavy load, jeans soaked from the precious water sloshing about. Tareq Al Hilou, CNN Money, 21 May 2025 Sixteen Senate Democrats voted Monday evening to begin debate over the Genius Act, putting it on a path to pass the Senate next month, despite the strenuous objection of Warren and other liberal colleagues. Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 21 May 2025 People in those areas are advised to avoid strenuous outdoor activity from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on high-heat days. Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for strenuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strenuous
Adjective
  • When thinning, aim to leave the strongest seedlings and remove less vigorous neighbors.
    Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025
  • Mow lawns often enough to keep turf at the proper height for vigorous growth.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • But the fact that Schwartzman, in his first film, was given the difficult task of stealing laughs away from a comedy legend, and so often succeeds in doing so, gives him the slight edge.
    Shannon Carlin, Time, 30 May 2025
  • Shaving requires removing the end cap of a bat, which can be difficult to do, and shaving down or thinning out the inner wall of the barrel.
    Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • The 82-year-old was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, the second most common cancer among men, with 1 in 8 being diagnosed in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.
    Sam Woodward, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • Nonprofits focused on such issues could be seen as antagonistic to the company’s aggressive commercialization efforts.
    Hayden Field, CNBC, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, this challenging situation also presents an opportunity for businesses.
    Kendra Davenport, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • In this one-man show, Whitfield steps onstage not just as a performer, but as a guide—challenging, inspiring, and activating the ABFF community to transform their pain into purpose.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
Adjective
  • The prosecution appears poised to use Combs' feud with Knight, as well as another series of encounters with rapper Kid Cudi, as demonstrative of a violent streak.
    Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 28 May 2025
  • This sweeping action included both nonviolent participants and those convicted of violent crimes against law enforcement.
    Alia Shoaib, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
Adjective
  • Hall, a former college football player, is quite the athlete and also gives fans a look into his rigorous workout regimen, which Khaled joined him for.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 23 May 2025
  • The Bee has a rigorous policy relating to requests for anonymity.
    Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • When asked if the current staffing shortages would affect the accuracy of storm forecast models, Graham was emphatic.
    Alex Harris, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
  • The lasting image from that series was Roy Hibbert’s emphatic block on Carmelo Anthony with 5:03 left in Game 6.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Johnson has been on a winning streak this year with Trump in the White House and backing him repeatedly to muscle through a series of very tough votes on the slimmest of majorities.
    Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 22 May 2025
  • Buy Now: Flashlight on Bookshop | Amazon | Barnes & Noble Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, V. E. Schwab (June 10) V. E. Schwab’s sapphic vampire romance begins in 16th century Spain with Maria, a tough young bride, looking to escape her wealthy husband.
    Shannon Carlin, Time, 22 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Strenuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strenuous. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.

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