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 choice of crop is also likely linked to the fact that tomatoes aren’t a very strenuous crop to produce—not that girls didn’t end up putting in the work. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 25 July 2025

Air quality levels are predicted to exceed a value of 100, which means people should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. —Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 25 July 2025

Be mindful outdoors: Take extra precautions when working or spending time outside. Find the right time: Consider rescheduling strenuous activities to early morning or evening if possible. Recognize warning signs: Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2025

Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati is also in strenuous contract talks with its other starting edge rusher in 2025 first-round selection Shemar Stewart. —Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025