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Definition of strenuousnext
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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 The material also lives up to its name—the ripstop design will prevent snags and abrasions on challenging trail runs while still being light and airy enough for strenuous road running efforts. Will Porter, Outside, 4 Jan. 2026 My patient laughed at me and pointed out that doing something strenuous is the whole point of exercise. Richard A. Friedman, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026 Sports drinks are useful only for long, strenuous activity and should otherwise be limited due to high sugar. Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 26 Dec. 2025 Removing a bathtub ring is nothing hard or strenuous. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for strenuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strenuous
Adjective
  • Started from seed, this type of sedum is a vigorous grower, forming a tidy mound with strong, flop-free stems.
    Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Jan. 2026
  • But a new study, published in Nature Communications in October, says vigorous activity is even more valuable than that.
    Greg Presto, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Business leaders, of course, have their own interests and shareholders to serve, but Democrats can still protect the public interest while giving CEOs a seat at the table to reach pragmatic answers to difficult questions like these.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Activist groups say hundreds of people have been killed, though the true toll remains difficult to verify due to the internet blackout and tight state controls on information.
    Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Anthony Bernon, 28, said Americans are becoming increasingly concerned about i the aggressive tactics being used by ICE and other federal agencies enforcing immigration policy.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement going door to door have circulated, and so too have videos alleging profiling based on race and ICE's apparent aggressive tactics.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But advocates say this year has been the most challenging.
    Ubah Ali, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
  • Purple proved to be the most challenging.
    Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Safavi said the blackout coincided with violent confrontations in several regions.
    Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Parallel societies in certain urban areas and rising violent crime statistics linked to some migrant cohorts in countries such as Sweden and Germany led to the dramatic rise of populist and patriotic parties across the continent, from France to Italy to the Netherlands.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Every personal finance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of personal finance products.
    Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Denim and cotton can survive in rigorous washing, while silk and wool will need a gentle washing.
    Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • But the fact this England team are clearly still united and went down fighting to a five-wicket defeat in Sydney that gave Australia another emphatic series victory on home soil, this time 4-1, should not camouflage the need for change.
    Paul Newman, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
  • The Kings pushed the lead up to 12 when Achiuwa threw down an emphatic dunk over Flagg.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • After a rocky two years, the luxury industry is expected to carry its third-quarter recovery into Q4, despite some tough comparables.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2026
  • That hope ended on July 3, 2025 when Michael, the charismatic tough guy actor known for his memorable roles in Kill Bill and Reservoir Dogs, died of cardiac arrest at 67 years old after a long struggle with alcoholism.
    Liz McNeil, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Strenuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strenuous. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on strenuous

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