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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 Weight Loss For those wishing to lose weight, recommendations are at least 150 minutes of moderate and 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, plus at least two days of strength training. Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 16 Apr. 2025 The spectacular dancing shifts from vigorous chorus lines to topflight tap and modern dance routines, often blurring genre boundaries. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 30 Apr. 2025 Other video motifs include UFOs, idyllic green pastures, and vigorous exhortations to drink only the purest, rawest milk. Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2025 The balls should hold up under vigorous play as well. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigorous
Adjective
  • That motion can help build strength that translates over to tons of daily tasks, like walking an energetic dog or opening a heavy door, to name a few.
    Christa Sgobba, SELF, 12 May 2025
  • The collection combines breathable, comfortable fabrics with a bold, energetic color palette—perfect for those constantly on the go.
    Essence, Essence, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
  • Another option is to wrap a towel around something sturdy, like a beam, pole, or even a door frame and do a bodyweight row from there.
    Christa Sgobba, SELF, 12 May 2025
Adjective
  • However, thanks to aggressive conservation efforts, including predator control programs, habitat restoration, and breeding initiatives, several kiwi species have seen rebounds.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • Even so, the aggressive play in this post-season has stood out.
    Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • According to research from Everytown for Gun Safety, a nonprofit that advocates for gun control, strong gun control laws are correlated with fewer gun deaths.
    Elliot Hughes, Journal Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2023
  • This results in a charge imbalance that builds up an electric field strong enough to trigger flashes of lightning.
    National Geographic, National Geographic, 13 Jan. 2023
Adjective
  • Importantly, the latter car came with a more robust 2.5-liter engine using a seven-bearing crankshaft instead of one with only four main bearings.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 9 May 2025
  • After a robust 2024, the sector is set for even stronger growth this year, with revenues projected to increase by double digits.
    Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Adjective
  • The fisherman aesthetic, a modern and trendy take on nautical design, offers cool colors and hardy materials (like wood and stone) with an emphasis on creating cozy spots to lounge.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 May 2025
  • As usual, his Ethan Hunt is muscular, hardy, game for anything.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 15 May 2025
Adjective
  • Since his emphatic win at Oak Hill two years ago, Brooks Koepka has failed to post a top-10 at a major championship.
    Kevin Sabet, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • However, Lincoln-Sudbury had an answer, and an emphatic one at that as goaltender Rex Garozzo jogged up the field with possession.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 14 May 2025
Adjective
  • Vanney started with a back five defensive shape in an effort to give his team a solid base to play from and clog the midfield.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 11 May 2025
  • The district will work on the official policies in the upcoming months to have a solid policy by the start of the 2025-26 school year.
    Alecia Taylor, Kansas City Star, 11 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Vigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigorous. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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