1
as in activity
energetic movement of the body for the sake of physical fitness
often the television addict's greatest attempt at exertion was switching channels on the remote control
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in effort
the active use of energy in producing a result
the number of blueberries that we were finding was hardly worth the exertion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 exertion
The push out of their respective comfort zones is sweaty, arduous, and, the series suggests, exactly the kind of exertion that sustains a relationship.
—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Strong exertions of such power have waxed and waned throughout American history.
—
Henry Gass,
Christian Science Monitor,
14 June 2026
Intense exertion in high levels of heat and humidity could have dire health effects.
—
Devika Rao,
TheWeek,
12 June 2026
Daily massages are included in each program, and much of the retreat's appeal comes from the contrast between exertion and restoration.
—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exertion
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Strong exertions of such power have waxed and waned throughout American history.
—
Henry Gass,
Christian Science Monitor,
14 June 2026
Intense exertion in high levels of heat and humidity could have dire health effects.
—
Devika Rao,
TheWeek,
12 June 2026
Daily massages are included in each program, and much of the retreat's appeal comes from the contrast between exertion and restoration.
—
Samantha Leal,
Travel + Leisure,
5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for exertion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exertion
Noun
-
Officials accused her in the letter of violating the university’s time, place and manner policy, which sets rules on free speech activities on campus.
-
As the escape-room activity kicks off — the guests have 30 minutes to find Aesha’s crew — the boys find plenty of opportunity to make insinuating jokes about tying up the girls, some (Coop) more wholesome than others (Luke).
Noun
-
But the effort was set aside after the onset of COVID-19, which caused massive disruptions across the Los Angeles Unified School District, said Michael Trujillo, a political strategist for Gonez.
-
Both countries have stepped up efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation and uphold international law in the strait, including hosting a summit with 51 other nations in April.
Noun
-
Historical data about the parts of the nation that use the most air conditioning shows a strong geographical trend.
-
Europe has long resisted air conditioning as noisy, an eyesore on architectural facades and unnecessary, as brutal summer heat has been relatively short-lived.
Noun
-
Roth was placed on administrative leave but returned to work shortly afterward, according to the lawsuit.
-
Considering flight attendants spend the majority of their week living out of a suitcase, their luggage has to be truly top-tier—capable of holding all of their work essentials, personal items, and more without missing a beat.
Noun
-
The exercise brought together the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force under Project Vantage, an initiative aimed at accelerating the testing and evaluation of maritime attack drones.
-
Go through the mental exercise of all the potential difficulties.
Cite this Entry
“Exertion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exertion. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
