[go: up one dir, main page]

Definition of vigorousnext
1
2
3
4

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 Pruning is key to keeping their vigorous growth in check—you’ll want to be able to reach the fruit come harvest time. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025 Governor Newsom and other Democratic leaders like San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, who have signaled opposition, should mount vigorous public education campaigns. Joshua Rauh, Oc Register, 20 Dec. 2025 Their rehearsals lead to love, and these warm and vigorous scenes are the best in the film. Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2025 Adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, plus strength training at least two days a week. Md Published, Verywell Health, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for vigorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for vigorous
Adjective
  • Whether that’s stand in the pocket, whether that’s run, whether that’s scramble, whether that’s hand the ball off 30 times and be energetic about it.
    Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The show channels a certain energetic, zany sense of humor viewers could recognize from their own adolescent friendships and antics, culminating in a five-season run and a 2021–2023 revival on Paramount+.
    Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • With sturdy construction, ample shelf space, and glass doors, china cabinets are excellent for storing and displaying delicate china sets, trinkets, decorative plates, heirloom decor, and more.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible.
    CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • That’s the kind of chance that last season, a more aggressive-looking Stolarz would have used his frame — and frankly, his big-game presence — to turn away with ease.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
  • The agency has also faced criticism for aggressive tactics used by ICE agents in executing the president’s immigration policy.
    Andy Rose 19 hr ago, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Also at tight end, Jackson Verdugo, who had a strong freshman season, is due back, and FIU signed incoming freshmen Davis Brown and Ayden Passley.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Nicole says Hannah did get better and stronger — strong enough that Hannah's neurologist told her the whole story.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • In December, hiring was robust in food services and drinking, health care and social assistance, while the retail sector shed jobs, the BLS said.
    Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • While the agency did agree to hold an public informational hearing, DEEP rejected the request for a more robust adjudicatory hearing, citing issues with the town and Save the Sound’s applications.
    John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Gardenia x daruma is an obscure dwarf hybrid that is hardy down to 20 degrees and, planted on its own, grows no more than three feet tall with small flowers and leaves.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
  • For nearly a decade, each of my winters has brought at least one trip to a mountain hut for a weekend with a hardy group of friends.
    The Denver Post, Denver Post, 7 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
  • Even with the affair, David's alibi appeared to be solid, so Belinda's murder went unsolved for years.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Polka dots bring visual interest without overwhelming a look, pairing easily with solid staples.
    Gabrielle Porcaro, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vigorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/vigorous. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on vigorous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!