VIGOROUS Synonyms: 207 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'vigorous' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vigorous are energetic , lusty , nervous , and strenuous . While all these words mean "having or showing great vitality and force," vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness. // as vigorous as a youth half his age

Q: Where would 'energetic' be a reasonable alternative to 'vigorous'?

Although the words energetic and vigorous have much in common, energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity. // an energetic campaigner

Q: In what contexts can 'lusty' take the place of 'vigorous'?

While the synonyms lusty and vigorous are close in meaning, lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment. // a lusty appetite for life

Q: When is it sensible to use 'nervous' instead of 'vigorous'?

In some situations, the words nervous and vigorous are roughly equivalent. However, nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor. // full of nervous energy

Q: When can 'strenuous' be used instead of 'vigorous'?

The synonyms strenuous and vigorous are sometimes interchangeable, but strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging. // the strenuous life on an oil rig

vigorous

adjective

ˈvi-g(ə-)rəs

Definition of vigorous

as in energetic

having active strength of body or mind he remains healthy and vigorous despite being over 80 years old

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in sturdy

able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure vigorous and sturdy little sheep bred to live in mountainous regions

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in aggressive

marked by or uttered with forcefulness offered a vigorous dissent to the proposal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in strong

not showing weakness or uncertainty gave the bottle of sauce a vigorous shaking

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective vigorous contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of vigorous are energetic, lusty, nervous, and strenuous. While all these words mean "having or showing great vitality and force," vigorous further implies showing no signs of depletion or diminishing of freshness or robustness.

as vigorous as a youth half his age

Where would energetic be a reasonable alternative to vigorous?

Although the words energetic and vigorous have much in common, energetic suggests a capacity for intense activity.

an energetic campaigner

In what contexts can lusty take the place of vigorous?

While the synonyms lusty and vigorous are close in meaning, lusty implies exuberant energy and capacity for enjoyment.

a lusty appetite for life

When is it sensible to use nervous instead of vigorous?

In some situations, the words nervous and vigorous are roughly equivalent. However, nervous suggests especially the forcibleness and sustained effectiveness resulting from mental vigor.

full of nervous energy

When can strenuous be used instead of vigorous?

The synonyms strenuous and vigorous are sometimes interchangeable, but strenuous suggests a preference for coping with the arduous or the challenging.

the strenuous life on an oil rig

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 vigorous But so far there has been little vigorous action to placate investors. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 The entity has embarked on a vigorous program of experiences and other projects to introduce the legendary band to a new generation of fans. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 There is a vigorous double jeopardy statute in New York state. — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026 Thin out weak side branches and head back the larger branches by cutting them just above a vigorous lateral branch. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vigorous

Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigorous

Adjective

McQueen proves himself a masterful stylist of the modern blockbuster with this energetic action-thriller.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Colombian folk-pop band is known in the Latin music world for catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics and energetic live shows.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of energetic

Adjective

Neither Jović nor Eala has a sturdy serve, as is common among players their age, so quick points were few and far between.

— Ava Wallace, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Its full aluminum build is sturdy and lightweight enough to hold for a long time, and battery life is solid for how bright the screen is, clocking in at over six hours on a single charge in our testing.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of sturdy

Adjective

The latest forecast predicts the center will pass roughly 115 to 150 miles west of Kauai, close enough that any additional eastward shifts in the track could bring stronger winds and greater impacts, particularly to Kauai, the hurricane center said.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026
Design delivers low noise and vibration levels The new Elegance Pod is being developed with a strong focus on total system efficiency.

— Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of strong

Adjective

And during a second-quarter earnings call with analysts Thursday, Ulta Beauty CEO Kecia Steelman reported that K-beauty momentum continued, with robust double-digit growth in category sales compared to the same period last year.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Its celebrity pedigree is astonishing (spokespersons and fans include Jane Fonda, Martha Stewart, Andie MacDowell, Heidi Klum, etc), its offerings are robust, and many, if not most of its products, are five-star successes.

— Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of robust

Adjective

Most mums of this type are suited for zones 5-9, but some exceptionally cold-tolerant varieties, such as Mammoth, are hardy down to zone 3.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
While hardier, wipeable furniture certainly has its time and place (say, messy craft sessions and sticky snack times), something a little more plush lends itself well to lounging around, reading breaks, and more relaxed forms of play.

— Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of hardy

Adjective

If Wayne, a fictional character, were a more solid creation, the movie could better explore the issue of whether answering racist brutality in kind is more effective than relying on an inadequate system.

— Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
The Volunteers have been the kingpin of Arlington ISD football the last two seasons, but several squads like Lamar, Arlington Martin and Arlington seem to have made solid offseason progress.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of solid

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“Vigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigorous. Accessed 9 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of vigorous

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