Definition of strenuousnext
1
2

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 Climbing up and down that tower, especially in this heat, is very strenuous. Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 1 July 2026 There’s a beguiling synchronicity between the two disciplines under scrutiny here—fishing and filmmaking—both of which, Jenkin reminds us, are strenuous physical activities, dependent on precise timing, know-how, energy, stamina, heavy-duty equipment, and a hardworking crew. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 26 June 2026 The strenuous process took a toll on star Bob Hoskins, who spends the entire film chatting with various cartoons. Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 24 June 2026 Park officials advised visitors to avoid strenuous hiking in the middle of the day. Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for strenuous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for strenuous
Adjective
  • Dunlap notes that borage can grow to about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, while tomatoes are known for their vigorous growth.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
  • Levine Cava gave the golden-colored dog a vigorous pat on the head.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026
Adjective
  • Sarah Buck, Chicago Driving has become harder The rapid increase in bike lanes has made driving much more difficult and tedious, with numerous delays due to many streets being reduced to one lane in busy areas.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Republican strategists have welcomed those nominations as an opening for attack in a difficult election year.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Adjective
  • The goal is gentle smoke and indirect heat rather than aggressive flames.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Right now, the multi-trillion-dollar global apparel industry is undergoing an aggressive technological shift, adopting artificial intelligence as a production standard rather than an experimental pilot.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • This enduring legacy, underscores the lawyer's role as an officer of the court, preserving the rule of law even when challenging authority.
    Joseph Andrew, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Educate your family on our country’s history, both good and challenging.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 4 July 2026
Adjective
  • Dinah Voyles Pulver, a national correspondent for USA TODAY, writes about violent weather, climate change and other news.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • English soccer fans have earned a reputation for violent hooliganism, hurling plastic chairs and brawling their way across the piazzas and boulevards of Europe.
    Alexander Smith, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Adjective
  • Every cybersecurity article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors.
    Brian Sloan, CNBC, 3 July 2026
  • This improves both customer and agent experience, while still meeting rigorous business standards around accuracy, reliability, and risk management.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Adjective
  • Mozeliak didn’t rule himself out as the long-term answer at general manager and was emphatic about not speaking in absolutes.
    Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
  • Senegal secured third place in FIFA World Cup Group I with an emphatic 5-0 victory over the 10 men of Iraq — the biggest ever win for an African team at a World Cup.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 26 June 2026
Adjective
  • MacDonald agrees that some of Kiros' positions could put Democratic candidates in a tough spot.
    Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • The 34 measures include cuts to income tax for low- and middle income families, an overhaul of the creaking pension system, tougher rules for employees' sick leave and a reduction of the country's stifling bureaucracy.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Strenuous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/strenuous. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on strenuous

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster